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Questions and Answers
What is the most common causative agent responsible for 80% to 90% of cases of bacterial meningitis in adults?
When does aseptic meningitis occur more frequently?
Who is at higher risk for meningococcal meningitis according to the text?
Which type of meningitis is classified as septic?
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What are the two main types of meningitis mentioned in the text?
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Which group is more likely to develop aseptic meningitis according to the text?
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What is the recommended timeframe for starting therapy after exposure to maximize effectiveness of prophylaxis?
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Which combination of antibiotics is most commonly administered intravenously for suspected bacterial meningitis?
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Which intervention is NOT typically included in nursing management for patients with acute bacterial meningitis?
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What role does Dexamethasone play in the treatment of acute bacterial meningitis?
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Which nursing intervention is essential for patients suspected of having a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?
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In patients with bacterial meningitis, why is protecting the patient from injury secondary to seizure activity or altered LOC important?
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Which sign is a more sensitive indicator of meningeal irritation than the Kernig sign?
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What is a common finding due to meningeal irritation, particularly around the diaphragm sellae?
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In meningococcal meningitides infection, what can be a striking feature occurring in about half of patients?
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What should be given to individuals in close contact with patients with meningococcal meningitis as part of prevention measures?
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What is a key diagnostic test for bacterial meningitis?
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When should vaccines be administered to prevent meningococcal meningitis?
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What symptom of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is characterized by a distinct odor in the urine?
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Which symptom of UTIs may cause an individual to experience stinging or burning sensations while voiding?
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Which symptom of UTIs results from dehydration caused by frequent urination?
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In UTIs, what symptom might an individual experience due to an increased need to urinate throughout the day and night?
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Which symptom of UTIs is characterized by pressure or cramps around the pelvis, groin, or lower back?
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What might an individual with a UTI experience when they have a strong and sudden urge to urinate even when the bladder isn't full?
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Study Notes
Meningitis Overview
- Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, which cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.
- There are two main types of meningitis: bacterial and viral.
Types of Meningitis
- Bacterial meningitis: caused by bacteria, with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis responsible for 80-90% of cases in adults.
- Viral meningitis: caused by viruses, such as enteroviruses, and can also be secondary to cancer or a weakened immune system.
Risk Factors
- First-year college students and military members who have not been vaccinated are at higher risk for meningococcal meningitis.
- Peak incidence of meningitis is in the winter and early spring.
Clinical Manifestations
- Positive Kernig sign: inability to completely extend the leg when the thigh is flexed on the abdomen, indicating meningeal irritation.
- Positive Brudzinski sign: flexion of the knees and hips when the neck is flexed, indicating meningeal irritation.
- Photophobia: extreme sensitivity to light due to irritation of the meninges.
- Rash: can be a striking feature of meningococcal meningitis, occurring in about half of patients.
- Disorientation and memory impairment: common early in the course of the illness.
- Seizure, coma, lethargy, unresponsiveness, and unconsciousness: possible complications.
Diagnostic Findings
- Bacterial culture and Gram staining of CSF and blood are key diagnostic tests.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: used in diagnosis.
Prevention
- Vaccination: recommended for youth at 11-12 years of age, with a booster dose at 16 years of age.
- Antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis: used to treat people in close contact with patients with meningococcal meningitis.
Medical Management
- Early administration of antibiotic agents: penicillin G in combination with cephalosporins, such as ceftriaxone or cefotaxime, is often administered intravenously.
- Dexamethasone: beneficial as adjunct therapy in the treatment of acute bacterial meningitis and pneumococcal meningitis if given before or concurrently with the first dose of antibiotic.
Nursing Management
- Instituting infection control precautions: until 24 hours after initiation of antibiotic therapy.
- Assisting with pain management: due to overall body aches and neck pain.
- Assisting with rest: in a quiet, darkened room.
- Implementing interventions to treat elevated temperature: using antipyretic agents and cooling blankets.
- Encouraging hydration: orally or peripherally.
- Ensuring close neurologic monitoring: to protect the patient from injury secondary to seizure activity or altered LOC.
- Monitoring daily body weight, serum electrolytes, and urine volume, specific gravity, and osmolality: especially if SIADH is suspected.
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Description
Explore the medical management strategies for acute bacterial meningitis including the early administration of antibiotics and the use of adjunct therapy like Dexamethasone. Learn about the recommended antibiotics such as Penicillin G in combination with cephalosporins for better efficacy.
