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MENINGITIS (PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (Infection causes an increase in CSF…
MENINGITIS
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
- Infection causes an increase in CSF production and pressure that is measurable on lumbar puncture.
- The inflammatory reaction causes irritation of cerebral tissues and may cause convulsions.
- Inflammatory exudate increases intracranial pressure
- The inflamed and irritated meninges cause neck stiffness and headache
- Meninges become swollen and inflamed
- Healing may leave scar tissue in the meninges causing epilepsy
- Scar tissue may also block CSF drainage channels causing hydrocephalus.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
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- Cultures and bacterial antigen testing.
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- Serum procalcitonin testing
CLINICAL MENIFESTATIONS
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- High-pitched crying in infants.
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NURSING MANAGEMENT
- Assess blood pressure for incipient shock, which precedes cardiac/respiratory failure.
- Reduce high fever to decrease load on heart and brain from oxygen demands.
- Insert cuffed endotracheal tube (or tracheostomy), and position patient on mechanical ventilation as prescribed.
-Protect the patient from injury secondary to seizure activity or altered level of consciousness (LOC).
- Assess neurologic status and vital signs constantly.
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
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- Crystalloid infusion : if patient is in shock or hypotensive
- Seizure precautions : If the patient’s mental status is altered
- Oxygen administration : administer if patient is alert, in stable condition with normal vital signs
DEFINITION
- Refers to the infection and inflammation of the meninges / coverings of the brain.
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