Nursing Related Learning Experience Manual

JOURNAL READING

Title Unveiling the Truth: Diagnosing Bacterial Meningitis Through Repeat Lumbar Punctures
Summary of the Journal Reading:

Bacterial meningitis is a cause of global concern given its associated high rates of mortality and
complications. Timely diagnosis and management are crucial in improving outcomes in patients.
Lumbar puncture and radiological investigations form the crux of diagnosis. However, the clinical
course becomes complicated if lumbar puncture results are unrevealing and equivocal for bacterial
meningitis. We present a case of a 60-year-old female who was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis
on repeated lumbar puncture. Clinical vigilance and a high degree of suspicion is needed to ensure
that patients with bacterial meningitis are diagnosed and managed appropriately, especially in cases
with inconclusive lumbar puncture or radiological investigations.

Learning Insights/ Reflections:

Bacterial meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the central nervous system. Early
and accurate diagnosis is crucial for prompt treatment and improved patient outcomes. Diagnosing bacterial
meningitis can be challenging because its symptoms can overlap with those of other diseases, and
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is typically the gold standard for diagnosis. Lumbar puncture, or spinal tap,
is a medical procedure in which CSF is collected from the spinal canal for analysis. It can provide valuable
information about the presence of infection, such as elevated white blood cell count and the presence of
bacteria. If the initial lumbar puncture does not definitively confirm or rule out bacterial meningitis, repeat
lumbar punctures may be necessary. This is because the presence of bacteria or abnormalities in CSF
parameters may vary over time, and repeat testing can increase diagnostic accuracy. Bacterial meningitis
needs to be differentiated from viral or aseptic meningitis, which have different causes and treatment
approaches. Repeat lumbar punctures may help in distinguishing between these different types of meningitis.
The decision to perform repeat lumbar punctures is typically guided by clinical protocols and the patient's
clinical condition. The timing and frequency of repeat lumbar punctures should be carefully considered by
healthcare professionals.

Source: (Cite bibliography using APA format)

Abeer, Q., Abraham, M. C., Nismat, J., Schmidt, P., & Davidson, J. (2023). Unveiling the Truth:
Diagnosing Bacterial Meningitis Through Repeat Lumbar Punctures. ProQuest.
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40811

Note: Attach the printed copy of an updated article (2010-2014 Editions) on a long-sized bookpaper.
Articles should be lifted from ProQuest
Name of Student Aira Shane Marges Yr & Sec BSN 4B
Clinical Instructor Eva B. Jugador, RN, MAN Area RLE 118

College of Health Sciences Department of Nursing NOTRE DAME OF DADIANGAS UNIVERSITY