Unit 7 Flashcards

1
Q

Describe a positive Brudzinski’s sign.

A

Pain when the head is up and chin is down.

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2
Q

Describe a positive kernigs sign.

A

Pain when the legs are raised.

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3
Q

What age group is most at risk for meningitis and why?

A

16-21 because outbreaks are most likely to occur in college dorms, military barracks and crowded living areas.

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4
Q

What are the pupil reaction and eye movements associated with meningitis?

A

Photophobia
Nystagmus
Abnormal eye movements

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5
Q

What are the motor response changes associated with meningitis?

A

Hemiparesis, hemiplegia and decreased muscle tone

Cranial nerve dysfunction (3,4,6,7,8)

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6
Q

What are the memory changes associated with meningitis?

A

Short attention span
personality and behavior change
Bewilderment

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7
Q

Severe and unrelenting headaches are associated with?

A

Meningitis

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8
Q
Generalized muscle aches and paines
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills
Tachycardia
Red macular rash

These are associated with?

A

Meningitis

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9
Q

When can seizures occur for the patient with meningitis?

A

When meningeal inflammation spreads to the cerebral cortex.

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10
Q

What is the most significant lab test that is used to diagnose meningitis?

A

CSF

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11
Q

What do you teach your patient is regards to preventing meningitis?

A

Get vaccines like Hib, pneumococcal, mumps, varicella and meningococcal organisms.

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12
Q

What are the most important nursing interventions for patients with meningitis?

A

Accurately monitoring and documenting their neurologic status.

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13
Q

When caring for a patient with meningitis, what is the priority of care?

A

ABC’s

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14
Q

How often do you take vitals for the patient with meningitis?

A

Every 2-4 hours.

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15
Q

Why is intake and output carefully monitored for the patient with with meningitis

A

To maintain fluid balance and prevent fluid overload.

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16
Q

How do you decrease environmental stimuli when caring for a patient with meningitis?

A

Provide a quiet environment
Minimize exposure to bright lights from windows and overhead lights
Maintain bedrest with the HOB elevated 30 degrees

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17
Q

What type of precautions are put into effect for the patient with bacterial meningitis?

A

Droplet.

18
Q

How many feet do you need to stay away from a patient with meningitis if you do not have a mask on?

A

3 feet.

19
Q

What must the patient have on when transporting them outside of the room?

A

A mask.

20
Q

What five complications are associated with meningitis?

A
ICP
Vascular disease
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Seizures
Shock
21
Q

What type of precautions is appropriate for a patient with viral meningitis?

A

Standard precautions

22
Q

What can a 6th cranial nerve defect indicate?

A

Hydrocephalus

23
Q

What drugs are used to treat meningitis?

A

Broad spectrum antibiotic until culture and gram stain results are available.
Mannitol

24
Q

Which drugs are given to people who have been in close contact with a patient with N. meningitits?

A

Rifampin
Ciprofloxacin
Ceftriaxone

25
Q

An inflammation of the brain tissue and often the surrounding meninges is known as?

A

Encephalitis

26
Q

What are the most common cause of encephalitis?

A

Eastern and western encephalitis
California encephalitis
West Nile virus

27
Q

What are the signs and symptoms associated with meningitis?

A
Nuchal rigidity
Photophobia
Phonophobia
Headache
Myalgia
Nausea and vomiting
28
Q
Changes in mental status
Motor dysfunction
Focal neurologic deficits
Photophobia
Fatigue
Symptoms of ICP
Joint pain
Headache
Vertigo

These manifestations are associated with?

A

Encephalitis

29
Q

How is encephalitis diagnosed?

A

Lumbar puncture

30
Q

What is the drug of choice for encephalitis?

A

Acyclovir

31
Q

What would prevent elevation of HOB in the patient with encephalitis?

A

Post lumbar puncture

Severe hypotension

32
Q

What vital sign changes must be told to the HCP for a patient with encephalitis?

A

Widened pulse preasure
New bradycardia
Irregular respiratory effort
Dilated and unresponsive to light pupils

33
Q

Protecting the patient and family from West Nile Virus:

When time outside should be limited.

A

Between dusk and dawn when mosquitos are out.

34
Q

Protecting the patient and family from West Nile Virus:

What type of clothing should be worn?

A

Protective clothing, including long sleeves and pants.

35
Q

Protecting the patient and family from West Nile Virus:

What type of insect repellent is recommended ?

A

DEET

36
Q

An upper and lower motor neuron disease of adult onset is known as?

A

ALS

37
Q

How is ALS characterized?

A

Progressive weakness
Muscle wasting
Spasticity that eventually leads to paralysis

38
Q

What age group is commonly affected by ALS?

A

People 40-60 years of age

39
Q

Which gender is affected more by ALS?

A

Men

40
Q

What is the most common cause of death in regards to the patient with ALS?

A

Respiratory failure.