Meningitis

Question 1

What is Meningitis

Answer 1

Inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meninges)

Question 2

How can Meningitis be prevented

Answer 2

• Hib vaccine (given to infants)

- pneumococcal vaccine

Question 3

What vaccine is given to students living in dorms

Answer 3

meningococcal vaccine

Question 4

Classical S/S of Meningitis

Answer 4

• neck (nuchal) rigidity
• positive Kernig’s sign
• positive Bruzinski’s sign

Question 5

What happens to the heart rate with Meningitis

Answer 5

tachycardic

Question 6

Other S/S of Meningitis

Answer 6

• fever
• headache
• nausea/vomiting
• photophobia
• seizure, altered mental status

Question 7

What will the labs be for bacterial Meningitis

Answer 7

• cloudy, decreased glucose
• increased protein/WBC
• positive gram stain

Question 8

What will the labs be for viral Meningitis

Answer 8

• clear, usually normal
• may have slight increase in protein/WBC
• negative gram stain

Question 9

What precaution should be implemented for Meningitis

Answer 9

droplet, for the first 24 hours of antibiotics

-implement seizure precaution

Question 10

Nursing care for a patient with Meningitis

Answer 10

• monitor neurological status
• provide quiet room, dim lights
• minimize increased ICP by raising HOB 30 degrees, put head midline, minimize suctioning