Bacterial Meningitis Therapy Management
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Questions and Answers

Which nursing intervention is essential for a patient with meningitis?

  • Encouraging the patient to engage in vigorous physical activities
  • Ensuring strict bed rest to prevent complications (correct)
  • Administering pain medication as needed
  • Allowing the patient to manage their medication schedule independently
  • What is a common complication associated with meningitis?

  • Hypertension
  • Respiratory distress
  • Seizures (correct)
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Which medication is commonly used in the medical management of bacterial meningitis?

  • Broad-spectrum antibiotics (correct)
  • Anticoagulants
  • Antiviral medication
  • Antifungal medication
  • What is a recommended nursing care measure after a patient recovers from meningitis?

    <p>Scheduling frequent follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Insulin</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Hearing loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factors can increase the risk of bacterial meningitis?

    <p>Viral upper respiratory infection</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>By allowing bacteria to cross the epithelial membrane into the subarachnoid space</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do meningeal infections generally originate?

    <p>Through the bloodstream due to other infections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a frequent initial symptom of bacterial meningitis?

    <p>Headache</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which manifestation is common to all types of meningitis?

    <p>Neck immobility (Nuchal rigidity)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the prognosis for bacterial meningitis depend on?

    <p>The causative organism, severity of infection, and timeliness of treatment</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Within 24 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Ceftriaxone</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Adjunct therapy</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Protect the patient from injury due to altered LOC</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Daily body weight and urine volume</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To prevent the spread of infection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Meningitis Overview

    • 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.

    Types of Meningitis

    • 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.

    Risk Factors and Causes

    • 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.

    Pathophysiology

    • 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).

    Clinical Manifestations

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

    Medical Management

    • 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.

    Nursing Management

    • 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.

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    Description

    Learn about the medical management of bacterial meningitis, including the importance of starting therapy early, administration of antibiotics like Penicillin G and cephalosporins, and the use of adjunct therapy such as Dexamethasone.

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