DISEASE BASICS
These are the two main types of meningitis.
What are bacterial and viral meningitis?
This classic triad includes fever, headache, and a stiff neck.
What are the hallmark signs of meningitis?
This infection-control precaution must be started immediately for suspected meningitis.
What are droplet precautions?
Nurses encourage children with viral meningitis to do these two things to help the body heal.
What is rest and staying hydrated?
The most common type, especially in children under 5.
What is viral (aseptic) meningitis?
This procedure uses a needle in the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid.
What is a lumbar puncture (spinal tap)?
Given as soon as cultures are drawn, this is the most critical lifesaving treatment.
What is prompt IV antibiotic administration?
What disease affecting the spleen increases the risk for meningococcal disease?
Sickle Cell Disease
This life-threatening type occurs when bacteria cross the blood-brain barrier and inflame the meninges.
What is bacterial meningitis?
This exam finding is positive when flexing the neck causes involuntary hip and knee flexion.
What is Brudzinski's sign?
This calm, quiet environmental change helps prevent spikes in ICP.
What is providing a low-stimulus environment?
Meningitis can spread through these close-contact behaviors, putting roommates at risk.
What is sharing drinks, kissing, or coughing nearby?
Given with or before the first antibiotic dose, this steroid lowers inflammation and the risk of hearing loss.
What is dexamethasone?
A very low glucose level in the CSF points to this type of meningitis.
What is bacterial meningitis?
Keeping oxygen and suction at the bedside of a child with bacterial meningitis is part of these.
What are seizure precautions?
After recovering from bacterial meningitis, a child with hearing trouble needs this test.
What is a hearing (audiology) test?
A child on IV vancomycin develops facial flushing and redness but breathes fine; the nurse slows the infusion for this.
What is a vancomycin infusion reaction (Red Man Syndrome)?
This non-blanching purple rash signals the infection has spread to the blood and is a medical emergency.
What is a petechial or purpuric rash?
The nurse teaches the family the importance of doing this with the prescribed antibiotics, even after the child feels better.
What is completing the entire course (not stopping early)?
Recommended at ages 11 to 12 with a booster at 16, this vaccine protects teens from meningococcal meningitis.
What is the meningococcal vaccine?