Bacterial Meningitis Therapy Management

Which nursing intervention is essential for a patient with meningitis?

What is a common complication associated with meningitis?

Which medication is commonly used in the medical management of bacterial meningitis?

What is a recommended nursing care measure after a patient recovers from meningitis?

Which of the following is NOT a typical medication used in treating meningitis?

What is a potential long-term complication of meningitis that nurses should be aware of?

What factors can increase the risk of bacterial meningitis?

How can otitis media and mastoiditis increase the risk of bacterial meningitis?

How do meningeal infections generally originate?

What is a frequent initial symptom of bacterial meningitis?

Which manifestation is common to all types of meningitis?

What does the prognosis for bacterial meningitis depend on?

What is the recommended time frame to start therapy after exposure to meningitis?

Which medication is often administered intravenously in suspected bacterial meningitis cases?

What is the role of Dexamethasone in treating acute bacterial meningitis?

Which nursing intervention is necessary for a patient with meningitis and altered level of consciousness?

What should nurses monitor closely if syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is suspected in a patient with meningitis?

What is the purpose of instituting infection control precautions for a patient with meningitis?

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, covering and protecting the brain and spinal cord.
There are two main types of meningitis: bacterial and viral.

Septic meningitis is caused by bacteria, with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis responsible for 80-90% of cases in adults.
Aseptic meningitis is caused by viruses, cancer, or a weakened immune system, with enteroviruses being the most common causative agents.

First-year college students and military members who have not been vaccinated are at higher risk for meningococcal meningitis.
Tobacco use, viral upper respiratory infection, otitis media, and mastoiditis increase the risk of bacterial meningitis.
People with immune system deficiencies are at greater risk for developing bacterial meningitis.

Meningeal infections can originate from the bloodstream or through direct spread, such as after traumatic injuries or invasive procedures.
The causative organism crosses the blood-brain barrier and proliferates in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Headache, fever, and chills are frequent initial symptoms.
Neck immobility, nuchal rigidity, and difficulty flexing the head are common signs of meningitis.

Antibiotic therapy, such as penicillin G with a cephalosporin, should be administered intravenously and emergently.
Dexamethasone is beneficial as adjunct therapy, especially in pneumococcal meningitis, when given before or concurrently with the first dose of antibiotic.

Infection control precautions should be instituted until 24 hours after initiation of antibiotic therapy.
Patients require assistance with pain management, rest in a quiet and darkened room, and hydration.
Neurologic monitoring, seizure protection, and monitoring of body weight, serum electrolytes, and urine output are crucial.
Patients with suspected SIADH require close monitoring of serum electrolytes, urine volume, specific gravity, and osmolality.