MENINGITIS

Meningitis is an infectious process of the central nervous of the central nervous system caused by bacteria and viruses that may be acquired as a primary disease or as a result of complications of neurosurgery, trauma, infection of the sinus or ears, or systemic infections.

Diagnosis is made by testing CSF obtained by lumbar puncture, which shows increased pressure, cloudy CSF, high protein, and low glucose.

Meingococcal meningitis occurs in epidemic form and is the only readily transmitted by droplet infection from nasopharyngeal secretions.

Viral meningitis is associated with viruses such as mumps, paramyxovirus, and enterovirus.

Transmission
Transmission is by direct contact, including droplet spread.
Transmission occurs in areas of high population density, crowded living areas, and prisons.


Assessment
Mild lethargy
Memory changes
Short attention span
Personality and behavior changes
Severe headache
Generalized muscle aches and pains
Nausea and vomiting
Fever an chills
Tachycardia
Deterioration in the level of consciousness
Photophobia
Signs of meningeal irritation such as nuchial rigidity and positive Kernig’s sign and Brudzinski’s sign
Red, muscular rash with meningococcal meningitis
Abdominal and chest pain with viral meningitis

Interventions
Monitor vital signs and neurological signs
Assess for signs of increasing ICP
Initiate seizure precautions.
Monitor for seizure activity
Monitor for signs of meningeal irritation
Perform cranial nerve assessment
Assess peripheral vascular status
Maintain isolation precautions as necessary with bacterial meningitis.
Maintain urine and stool precautions with viral meningitis.
Maintain respiratory isolation for the client with pneumococcal meningitis
Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees, and avoid neck flexion and extreme hip flexion
Prevent stimulation and restrict visitors
Administer analgesics as prescribed
Administer antibiotics as prescribed