S/S
the inability to flex the neck forward due to severe stiffness and pain, and it is a classic sign of meningitis.
Nuchal rigidity
Individuals living or working in these closely confined arrangements face an increased risk due to prolonged exposure to respiratory secretions
Large groups, college students living in dorms
In addition to medication, these two supportive therapies must be actively administered
Oxygen and fluids
At what age do teens receive the meningococcal vaccine?
11-12 years old
This diagnostic procedure, also known as a spinal tap, is done to extract and analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to confirm bacterial meningitis.
Lumbar puncture
This physical sign is positive when severe neck stiffness causes a patient's hips and knees to flex automatically when their neck is flexed
Brudinski’s sign
This specific set of individuals faces a higher risk of exposure to different regional strains of bacteria while moving between geographic locations.
Travelers
Because meningitis patients suffer from severe photophobia and headaches, a key environmental intervention is
Reduce stimuli
What age is the meningococcal vaccine booster in teens?
16 yrs old
Unlike viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that must be treated immediately with this class of medication.
antibiotics
This symptom describes an extreme, painful sensitivity to bright lights.
Photophobia
What population of people are more at risk because their bodies lack the robust physiological defenses needed to fight off invasive pathogens
those with a weakened immune system
Antipyretics, cooling baths, and cooling blankets are all utilized by the nurse to maintain this state in the patient
Normothermia
What is proper hand hygiene?
wash hands with soap and water after close contact with an infected person
What lab level is typically low in cerebrospinal fluid?
Glucose. typically low due to invading bacteria actively feeding on the glucose present in the CSF
In infants, you might check for this specific physical sign on the top of the head, which indicates increased pressure on the brain.
Bulging fotanelle
This specific medical anomaly allows bacteria direct structural access to breach the central nervous system, bypassing normal skeletal protection
Cerebrospinal fluid leak
These three primary laboratory values are monitored to track infection and inflammation levels: WBC, Lactic Acid, and
Procalcitonin
To manage transmission risk, nurses must implement this specific type of precaution, which requires wearing a face mask
Droplet precautions
This specific imaging test of the head is used alongside blood cultures to diagnose the infection
Head CT
These four severe medical conditions are listed as the primary complications of bacterial meningitis
seizures, coma, sepsis, and death
What causes bacterial meningitis?
Organisms enter the CNS through the blood. Infection is produced if the bacteria are able to cross the blood brain barrier.
Upon discharge, the nurse must teach the patient the absolute importance of follow-up appointments and completing this
Completing full course of ABXs
To optimize cerebral perfusion and manage ICP, a patient's HOB should be elevated to this specific angle
30 degrees
These two standard metabolic and blood panels must be drawn for labs
CBC and CMP