Pediatrics- Neurology Flashcards
(130 cards)
What is Meningitis?
An inflammation of the meninges
Can be bacterial, viral, or fungal.
What is Reyes Syndrome
A life-threatening disorder that involves a cute encephalopathy and fatty changes of the liver
How do you determine between meningitis and reyes syndrome
Testing- ( spinal tap)
Which meningitis is contagious
Bacterial
Why has bacterial meningitis decreased in age groups
The interaction of the HIB and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Expected finings in  Meningitis
Photophobia (light bothers you) vomiting irritability headache
Meningitis physical assessment Finding a newborn
Poor muscle tone we cry poor sock refuses feeding vomiting diarrhea neck is supple without Michael rigidity 
What is a late finding a newborns with meningitis
Bulging fontanelles
What is a physical assessment finding of meningitis in three months to two years
Seizures high-pitched cry fever irritability bulging fontanelles possible nuchal rigidity poor feeding vomiting brudzinskis sign and Kermit’s sings
Expected findings of meningitis in two years through adolescence
Seizures (often initial finding) nuchal rigidity positive brudzinski and Jernigan sign fever chills headache vomiting irritability delirium stupor coma petechiae( rash) Chronic pain in your involvement of joints
Brudzinski sign
Flexion of extremities occurring with deliberate flexion of the Child’s neck
Kernigs sign
Resistance to extension of the child’s leg from a flexed position
What is an Indicative laboratory test of meningitis
CSF ( cerebral spinal fluid) 
What were the cerebral spinal Fluid look like in bacterial meningitis
Cloudy color elevated WBC count elevated protein count elevated glucose count positive Gram stain
What would the cerebral spinal fluid look like in viral meningitis
Clear colors slightly elevated WBC count negative Gram stain
What is a definite diagnostic test for meningitis
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) 
What position said the patient be in during a lumbar puncture
Side lane position with the head flexed and knees drawn up toward the chest
What is the client education after a lumbar puncture
Remain in a flat position to prevent leakage and a resulting spinal headache
What requires immediate medical attention in meningitis
Presence of petechiae or a purpuric type rash
What type of precaution should a child with meningitis be on
Droplet precautions are required a private room provider should wear a mask and child should remain in respiratory isolation for a minimum of 24 hours after initiation of antibiotic therapy
What should you be Monitoring in a child with meningitis
Monitor head circumference in fontanelles for presence of changes in bulging
What should the environment look like in a patient with meningitis
Quiet environment minimize exposure to bright light position the patient without a pillow and slightly elevate The head of the bed
Implement seizure precautions
What medication should you use in a patient with meningitis
Corticosteroids: dexamethasone
Not effective for long term 
Complications of meningitis
Monitor for manifestations of increased ICP
High-pitched cry increased head circumference diplopia seizures