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Questions and Answers
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?
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Which of the following is NOT a typical medication used in treating meningitis?
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What is a potential long-term complication of meningitis that nurses should be aware of?
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What factors can increase the risk of bacterial meningitis?
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How can otitis media and mastoiditis increase the risk of bacterial meningitis?
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How do meningeal infections generally originate?
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What is a frequent initial symptom of bacterial meningitis?
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Which manifestation is common to all types of meningitis?
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What does the prognosis for bacterial meningitis depend on?
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What is the recommended time frame to start therapy after exposure to meningitis?
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Which medication is often administered intravenously in suspected bacterial meningitis cases?
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What is the role of Dexamethasone in treating acute bacterial meningitis?
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Which nursing intervention is necessary for a patient with meningitis and altered level of consciousness?
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What should nurses monitor closely if syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is suspected in a patient with meningitis?
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What is the purpose of instituting infection control precautions for a patient with meningitis?
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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.