18 Questions
Which nursing intervention is essential for a patient with meningitis?
Ensuring strict bed rest to prevent complications
What is a common complication associated with meningitis?
Seizures
Which medication is commonly used in the medical management of bacterial meningitis?
Broad-spectrum antibiotics
What is a recommended nursing care measure after a patient recovers from meningitis?
Scheduling frequent follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider
Which of the following is NOT a typical medication used in treating meningitis?
Insulin
What is a potential long-term complication of meningitis that nurses should be aware of?
Hearing loss
What factors can increase the risk of bacterial meningitis?
Viral upper respiratory infection
How can otitis media and mastoiditis increase the risk of bacterial meningitis?
By allowing bacteria to cross the epithelial membrane into the subarachnoid space
How do meningeal infections generally originate?
Through the bloodstream due to other infections
What is a frequent initial symptom of bacterial meningitis?
Headache
Which manifestation is common to all types of meningitis?
Neck immobility (Nuchal rigidity)
What does the prognosis for bacterial meningitis depend on?
The causative organism, severity of infection, and timeliness of treatment
What is the recommended time frame to start therapy after exposure to meningitis?
Within 24 hours
Which medication is often administered intravenously in suspected bacterial meningitis cases?
Ceftriaxone
What is the role of Dexamethasone in treating acute bacterial meningitis?
Adjunct therapy
Which nursing intervention is necessary for a patient with meningitis and altered level of consciousness?
Protect the patient from injury due to altered LOC
What should nurses monitor closely if syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is suspected in a patient with meningitis?
Daily body weight and urine volume
What is the purpose of instituting infection control precautions for a patient with meningitis?
To prevent the spread of infection
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.
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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