Meningitis is inflammation of the arachnoid and pia mater of the brain and spinal cord
meningitis is caused by bacterial and viral organisms, although fungal and protozoa meningitis also occurs
2. DESCRIPTION
• Meningitis is inflammation of the arachnoid and pia mater of the
brain and spinal cord
• Meningitis is caused by bacterial and viral organisms, although fungal
and protozoal meningitis also occurs
• Predisposing factors include skull fractures, brain or spinal surgery ,
sinus or upper respiratory infections, the use of nasal sprays and
individuals with a compromised immune system
• Cerebrospinal fluid is analyzed to determine the diagnosis and the
type of meningitis
3. TRANSMISSION
• Transmission is by direct contact, including droplet spread
• Transmission occurs in areas of high population density , crowed
living areas , and prisons
4. ASSESSMENT
• Mild lethargy
• Memory changes
• Short attention span
• Personality and behavior changes
• Severe headache
• Generlized muscle aches and pains
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Tachycardia
5. • Deterioration in the level of consciousness
• Photophobia
• Signs of meningeal irritation such as nuchal rigidity and positive Kernig’s sign
and Brudzinski’s sign
• Red macular rash with meningococcal meningitis
• Abdominal and chest pain with viral meningitis
6. INTERVENTIONS
• Monitor vital signs and neurological signs
• Assess for signs of increased ICP
• Initiate seizure precautions
• Monitor for seizure precautions
• 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
7. • 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