Meningitis

ZIA UR RAHMAN
GENERIC BSN
OBJECTIVES:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
 Define meningitis.
 Discuss clinical manifestation of meningitis.
 Explain pathophysiology of meningitis.
 Identify causes and investigation of meningitis.
 Describe complication of meningitis.
 Explain treatment and nursing care of meningitis.
Meningitis:

Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the

protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known
as the meninges.

The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid

surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
CLINICAL MANIFESATATION:
 Headache
 Fever
 stiff neck
 Altered mental status
 Photophobia
 Phonophobia
 Confusion or difficulty concentrating
 Seizures
 Sleepiness or difficulty waking
Signs in new-borns

 Constant crying
 Excessive sleepiness or irritability
 A bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby's head (fontanel)
 Stiffness in the body and neck
 Inactivity or sluggishness
 Not waking to eat
 Poor feeding
 Vomiting
Pathophysiology of meningitis

 Bacteria enters blood stream/ trauma

 Enters the mucosal surface/ cavity
 Breakdown of normal barriers Crosses the blood brain barrier
Proliferates in the CSF Inflammation of the meninges
 Increase in ICP.
Causes of Meningitis
 Bacteria
 Viral
 Fungal
 Parasitic/ protozoa
 Physical injury
 Cancer
 Certain drugs ( mainly, NSAID’S)
Complications
 Hearing loss
 Memory difficulty
 Learning disabilities
 Brain damage
 Gait problems
 Seizures
 Shock
 Death
Assessment and Diagnosis:
 History taking
 Physical assessment
 CT and MRI
 Blood culture and sensitivity
 Lumbar Puncture
 CBC
Nursing intervention:

 Monitor vital signs and neurological status.

 Observe for any signs of increased intracranial pressure.
 Assess for nuchal rigidity, twitching, increased restlessness, and irritability.
 Maintain head or neck in midline position, provide small pillow for support.
 Provide comfort measures and Decrease external stimuli such as quiet
environment, soft voice, and gentle touch.
 Elevate the head of the bed 30°.
 Administer medications as indicated:
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01/21/2021