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Meningitis: Risk Factors

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges caused by viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms include headache, fever, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Risk factors include age (infants are most at risk), anatomical defects, recent head/neck infections, weakened immunity, and certain locations/settings. Treatment involves antibiotics, corticosteroids, acetaminophen, oxygen, fluids, and sedatives. Nursing care focuses on monitoring vital signs, symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, seizures, and providing supportive care.

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Kimberly Bautista
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22 views4 pages

Meningitis: Risk Factors

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges caused by viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms include headache, fever, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Risk factors include age (infants are most at risk), anatomical defects, recent head/neck infections, weakened immunity, and certain locations/settings. Treatment involves antibiotics, corticosteroids, acetaminophen, oxygen, fluids, and sedatives. Nursing care focuses on monitoring vital signs, symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, seizures, and providing supportive care.

Uploaded by

Kimberly Bautista
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Meningitis

>inflammation of the meninges caused by viral or bacterial infection and marked by


intense headache and fever, sensitivity to light, and muscular rigidity, leading (in severe cases)
to convulsions, delirium, and death.

Risk factors
*Bacterial meningitis can happen at any age, but infants are more susceptible.

Other factors that increase the risk include:

an anatomical defect or trauma, such as a skull fracture, and some kinds of surgery, if
these allow a way for bacteria to enter the nervous system
an infection in the head or neck area
spending time in communities, for example, at school or college
living in or traveling to certain locations, such as sub-Saharan Africa
having a weakened immune system, due to a medical condition or treatment
working in laboratories and other settings where meningitis pathogens are present

Symptoms
Early symptoms of meningitis
nausea and vomiting
fever
headache and a stiff neck
muscle pain
sensitivity to light
confusion
cold hands or feet and mottled skin
in some cases, a rash that does not fade under pressure
Later symptoms include seizures and coma.
Infants may:
breathe quickly
refuse feeds and be irritable
cry excessively, or give a high-pitched moan
be stiff, with jerky movements, or listless and floppy
The fontanelle may be bulging.

Treatment
Antibiotics: These are usually given intravenously.
Corticosteroids: These may be given if inflammation is causing pressure in the brain,
but studies show conflicting results.
Acetaminophen, or paracetamol: Together with cool sponge baths, cooling pads,
fluids, and room ventilation, these reduce fever.
Anticonvulsants: If the patient has seizures, an anticonvulsant, such as phenobarbital
or Dilantin, may be used.
Oxygen therapy: Oxygen will be administered to assist with breathing.
Fluids: Intravenous fluids can prevent dehydration, especially if the patient is vomiting
or cannot drink.
Sedatives: These will calm the patient if they are irritable or restless.

Nursing Interventions
1. Monitor vital signs and neurological signs.
2. Assess for signs of increasing ICP.
3. Initiate seizure precautions.
4. Monitor for seizure activity.
5. Monitor for signs of meningeal irritation.
6. Perform cranial nerve assessment.
7. Assess peripheral vascular status.
8. Maintain isolation precautions as necessary with bacterial meningitis.
9. Maintain urine and stool precautions with viral meningitis.
10. Maintain respiratory isolation for the client with pneumococcal meningitis.
11. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees, and avoid neck flexion and extreme hip flexion.
12. Prevent stimulation and restrict visitors.
13. Administer analgesics as prescribed.
14. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
Ampicillin
Common side effects of antibiotics include:

Nausea and vomiting.


Diarrhea.
Vaginal discharge and itching caused by a yeast infection.
Dexamethasone
cephalosporins, especially Claforan (cefotaxime) and Rocephin (ceftriaxone).
Various penicillin-type antibiotics, aminoglycoside drugs such as gentamicin, and others, are
also used

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