Basics
This is what meningitis is
What is inflammation of the meninges (protective layers of the brain and spinal cord)
Classic Key Symptom
What is fever?
Most common cause of viral meningitis.
What are enteroviruses?
Gold standard test for meningitis.
What is a lumbar puncture (spinal tap)?
First-line treatment for bacterial meningitis.
What are IV antibiotics?
These are the three layer of the meninges
What are dura mater, arachnoid mater, and Pia mater?
Neck Stiffness associate with meningitis
What is nuchal rigidity?
Common bacteria causing meningitis in young adults.
What is Neisseria meningitidis?
This fluid is analyzed to diagnose meningitis.
What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
This medication may be given to reduce inflammation.
What are corticosteroids?
This type of menigigits is usually less severe
What is viral meningitis?
Sensitivity to light is called this.
What is photophobia?
This bacteria is common in newborns.
What is Group B Streptococcus?
Elevated white blood cells in CSF indicate this.
What is infection?
Priority nursing action for suspected meningitis.
What is initiating isolation precautions?
This type of meningitis is more severe and can be life-threatening.
What is bacterial meningitis?
This classic triad includes
What is Hypertension, Bradycardia, and decrease respirations?
Elevate the head of bed to this degree to reduce ICP.
What is 30 degrees?
This imaging may be done before lumbar puncture to check for increased ICP.
What is a CT scan?
This precaution type is used for meningococcal meningitis.
What are droplet precautions?
This is how meningitis commonly spreads.
What is through respiratory droplets or close contact?
Clinical examination maneuvers to test for neurological damage
What is Positive Kernig’s or Brudzinski’s sign?
This scale is used to assess LOC and brain injury severity.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Cloudy CSF with high protein and low glucose suggests this type.
What is bacterial meningitis?
A key complication to monitor for meningitis.
What is increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?