MENINGITIS

Etiologic agent The following 3 infectious agent (ie, bacterium, virus, fungus, and parasite) Pathognomonic sign: y Kernig's sign y Brudzinski's sign SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS high fever, headaches, and a stiff neck. These primary symptoms can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, confusion and irritability. Some of these classic signs and symptoms cannot be detected in an infant in whom lethargy and irritability are important signs. INCUBATION PERIOD The incubation period depends on the causative agent. For example the incubation period of meningococcal meningitis is 2-10 days while the incubation for hemophilus meningitis is much shorter ranging from 2-4 days. However the range of incubation for most organisms causing meningitis is 2 days to 2 weeks. DIAGNOSIS

Culture and analysis of the spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, CSF). CSF analysis helps determine if the causative organism is a bacteria, virus, mycobaterium or otherwise. The culture helps to identify the definitive organism. Prevention y Haemophilus vaccine (HiB vaccine) in children will help prevent one type of meningitis.
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Prophylactic treatment of close contacts with antibiotics (e.g. rifampicin, ciprofloxaci n or ceftriaxone) can reduce their risk of meningitis. Practice good hand washing Practice other general good health measures Some communities conduct vaccination campaigns after an outbreak of meningitis.

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The meningococcal vaccination is recommended for:

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Adolescents ages 11 - 12 and adolescents entering high school (about age 15) who have not already received the vaccination. Children age 2 and older who do not have their spleen or who have other problems with their immune system.

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Military volunteers Freshmen college students who lives in dormitory.

IMMUNIZATION  BCG( Bacillus CalmetteGurin)-can reduce the rate of tuberculous meningitis.  Haemophilus vaccine (HiB vaccine)  PPSV vaccine (pneumococcal polysaccharide)-protection against pneumonia and bacterial meningitis Nursing Management.  Administer intravenous fluids and medications, as ordered by the physician.-to prevent dehydration and to prevent complications.  Antibiotics should be started immediately.- to prevent/reduce infections.  Record intake and output to observe patient closely for signs of dehydration due to insensible fluid loss.  Monitor Vital signs especially temperature at least every 4 hours if elevated, provide for cooling measures such as a cooling mattress,sponge baths, and administration of ordered antipyretics.- to reduce patients fever.

 Observe for patient's level of consciousness- will dictate whether the patient requires only assistance with activities of daily living or total care.  Maintain dim lighting in the patient's room -to reduce photophobic discomfort or sensitivity to light.  Slowly assist in moving patient from side to sideMinimizing pressure to body parts and to maintain skin integrity. Nursing Diagnoses 1. Acute pain related to meningeal irritation 2.Anxiety 3.Hyperthermia related to the infectious process and cerebral edema 4.Impaired gas exchange 5.Impaired Physical Mobility related to prolonged bed rest 6.Ineffective Tissue Perfusion (cerebral) related to infectious process and cerebral edema 7. Risk for deficient fluid volume related to fever and decreased intake 8.Risk for impaired skin integrity
Submitted by: CABERTE, ANA KATRINA A. BSN3-B Group2 Submitted to: SIR ARMAND DELOS SANTOS,RN,MAN