what is meningitis?
inflammation of the meninges which are fibers that protect the brain and spinal cord
what is viral meningitis and what will the CSF look like here?
viral meningitis is not contagious and the cerebrospinal fluid from lumbar puncture wil be clear
what is bacterial meningitis and what is it caused by?
bacterial meningitis is very contagious, must be treated very quickly and occurs from infections like pneumonia, strep, and otitis media
what is does the CSF of a patient who has bacterial meningitis look like?
cloudy and decreased glucose
what vaccinations can help prevent bacterial meningitis?
give meningococcal vaccine and pneumococcal vaccines
what are clinical manifestations of meningitis?
- excruciating constant headache
- photphobia
- nuchal rigidity; neck stiffness
- kernig’s sign: pain/resistance with knee extension
- bruzinski’s sign: neck flexion–> hip and knee flexion
- red macular rash (meningococcal meningitis)
what diagnostic testing helps diagnose meningitis?
- CSF analysis is done through lumbar puncture which is the main diagnosis
- culture everything to find source of infection
- CT/MRI to identify abscess or increased ICP
what are priority interventions for meningitis?
- droplet precautions are immediately started for 24 hours after antibiotics have been administered (and then contact precautions)
- give cooling blanket for fever reduction
- decrease environmental stimulation
- seizure precautions
what medications can be given for meningitis?
analgesics can be given but not opioids because it will mask neuro problems
what complications can occur with meningitis?
- increased ICP
- SIADH
- septic emboli can lead to gangrene–> amputation or stroke
