9B3B68D4-1DC5-46FE-A82A-B3711EAF76D4.jpeg

# Nursing Aid Scenario ### Question A nursing aid is assisting a Parkinson’s patient during meal time. Which of the following actions by the nursing aid is inappropriate? - A. Allowing the patient to cut his own food - B. Placing the patient upright - C. Filling the coffee cup half-full - D. Settin...

# Nursing Aid Scenario ### Question A nursing aid is assisting a Parkinson’s patient during meal time. Which of the following actions by the nursing aid is inappropriate? - A. Allowing the patient to cut his own food - B. Placing the patient upright - C. Filling the coffee cup half-full - D. Setting limits on the length of mealtime ### Correct Answer **D.** A patient with Parkinson’s has bradykinesia (slowness of movement), thus it is inappropriate to rush the patient with meals. ### Note Allowing the patient to cut his own food (Option A) does not necessarily require the use of a metal knife. The patient should be allowed to perform activities independently to maintain self-esteem. --- # Meningitis Overview ### Definition - **Meningitis:** Inflammation of the meninges, which is a three-fold membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. ### Functions of the Meninges - Support and protection - Nourishment and blood supply ### Layers of the Meninges 1. **Dura mater** (outermost) - Subdural space – between dura and arachnoid matter 2. **Arachnoid mater** (middle) - Subarachnoid space – between arachnoid and pia mater - The subarachnoid space is where CSF circulates - The subarachnoid space between L3 and L4 is the site for lumbar puncture. 3. **Pia mater** (innermost) ### Etiologic Agents for Meningitis - **Meningococcus:** Most dangerous cause of meningitis - **Pneumococcus** - **Streptococcus:** Causes adult meningitis - **Haemophilus influenzae:** Causes pediatric meningitis ### Transmission - **Mode of Transmission:** AIRBORNE via droplet nuclei - Transmitted through: - Coughing - Talking - Sneezing - Kissing - Not transmitted through sexual contact. --- # Diagnostic Tests for Meningitis ### Lumbar Puncture (LP) - **Definition:** Diagnostic procedure for meningitis involving insertion of a needle into the subarachnoid space to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). ### Nursing Management Before LP - Secure informed consent and explain the procedure to the patient. - Note: All procedures should be explained by the nurse. - Empty bladder and bowel for comfort. - Encourage the client to arch his back for better visualization of L3 and L4. ### Nursing Management After LP - **Positioning:** Place client flat on bed for 12 to 24 hours post-procedure to prevent spinal headaches and leakage of CSF. - Spinal headache is due to decreased CSF pressure (similar to orthostatic hypotension). - Force fluids to replace lost CSF. - Check the puncture site for discomfort, discoloration, and leakage to tissues. --- **Page 28**