COMMON PROBLEMS THAT

DEVELOP DURING PREGNANCY

ALEXIA ANTEROLA
2BSN
CONTENT:

■ MENINGITIS
■ FEBRILE SEIZURE
■ AUTISM/ADHD
MENINGITIS

■ Meningitis is an inflammation of the structures in the central nervous system (CNS)

caused by an infectious process.
■ The meninges are composed of three membranes that cover the brain and protect it
from injury and infection: the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. These
structures house the arterioles, venules and csf that protects, bathes and provides
chemical functional support for the brain and its contents.
■ Septic Meningitis (pyogenic) – caused by a bacterial pathogen such as
Streptococcus coli, or Haemophilus influenzae type B, Neisseria meningitidis and E.
coli
■ Aseptic meningitis – caused by a known or unknown viral agent typically presenting
at peak seasonal viral illness
MENINGITIS

Etiology:
- Can develop during childhood
- During the neonatal period, meningitis results from a pathogen transmitted during
the labor and delivery process or while in utero.
- The most common types of neonatal meningococcal infections are caused by
herpes simplex, group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus and E. coli
- Bacterial meningitis is the result of bacterial dissemination from a nasopharygeal or
a hematological inoculation
MENINGITIS

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

■ FEVER
■ HEADACHE
■ STIFF NECK
■ LETHARGY AND IRRITABILITY
■ NAUSEA AND VOMITING
Diagnosis:
- CBC reveals an elevated white blood cell count and any clotting deficiencies
- A lumbar puncture is also performed for csf analysis
- Gram stain for bacterial or viral diagnosis
MENINGITIS

Medical Management:
- Comfort care includes a dim room, antipyretic therapy for fever management,
nutrition as tolerated and emotional and social support
- The child is kept NPO until nausea and vomiting has been resolved
- Surgical management: surgery is usually delated in a child with acute brain infection
unless cerebral edema is compromising outcomes.
MENINGITIS

NURSING MANAGEMENT:
- Implement universal precautions; Initiate airborne or droplet isolation for first 24
hours of antibiotic administration for bacterial
- Initiate and maintain IV access as ordered. Monitor hourly the I and O and notify of
urine output is less than 0.5 to 1 mL/kg per hour
- Administer prescribed medications
- Monitor vital signs q1-q4