Week 10 - Encephalitis

Question 1

what is encephalitis

Answer 1

• acute inflammation of the brain

Question 2

describe the severity of encephalitis

Answer 2

• variety of seriousness
• can be serious
• sometimes fatal

Question 3

is encephalitis typically viral or bacterial related

Answer 3

• often occurs from a virus

Question 4

what can cause encephalitis (3)

Answer 4

• associated w seasons of the year or geographic areas
• spread by ticks & mosquitos (ex. west nile virus)
• can be a complication of chickenpox, measles, or mumps

Question 5

describe the onset of encephalitis

Answer 5

• nonspecific

Question 6

what symptoms first occur w encephalitis (5)

Answer 6

nonspecific:

• fever
• HA
• nausea
• vomitting
• generally feel unwell

Question 7

describe what symptoms occur later w encephalitis

Answer 7

• 2-3 days later = alterations in cerebral function

- ranges from minimal alterations in mental status to coma

Question 8

what diagnostics are used for encephalitis (4)

Answer 8

• CT
• MRI
• PET scan
• blood tests to determine causative virus

Question 9

what is nursing & collaborative care for encephalitis aimed at (2)

Answer 9

• prevent IICP

- supportive in nature

Question 10

list nursing interventions for encephalitis (3)

Answer 10

• rest
• nutrition & fluids
• meds

Question 11

what meds are used for treatment of encephalitis (3)

Answer 11

• antipyretics for fever
• analgesics for HA
• anticonvulsants for seizures

Question 12

describe use of antiviral meds for encephalitis

Answer 12

does not generally respond to antiviral meds except:

• herpes simplex
• varicella zoster may respond to antiviral meds

Question 13

what is included in prevention of encephalitis

Answer 13

• mosquito control