Lecture Notes: Meningitis

Introduction

• Presented by Cathy from Level Up RN
• Focus on meningitis
• Includes a quiz at the end to test knowledge
• Emphasis on important concepts using their flashcards

Definition

• Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)

Pathophysiology

• Caused by infectious organism (bacteria or virus)
• Entry through bloodstream or direct trauma
• Viral meningitis: Often resolves without treatment
• Bacterial meningitis: More severe, requires antibiotics, can be life-threatening

Risk Factors

• Crowded conditions (e.g., dorms, prisons)
• Immunosuppression
• Travel exposure

Prevention

• Infants: Given HIV and PCB vaccines
• Teenagers: Meningitis vaccine before college

Signs & Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nuchal rigidity: Neck stiffness
• Photophobia: Sensitivity to light
• Positive Brzezinski and Koenig signs

Brzezinski Sign

• Test: Patient lies flat; hand on chest and behind head; lift head
• Positive: Causes pain, patient flexes knees and hips

Koenig Sign

• Test: Patient lies flat; bend knee, attempt to straighten leg
• Positive: Pain and inability to straighten leg

Additional Symptoms

• Altered mental status
• Tachycardia
• Seizures

Diagnosis

• Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis through Lumbar Puncture
  • Bacterial Meningitis:
    • Cloudy CSF
    • Decreased glucose
    • Increased protein and white blood cells
    • Positive gram stain
  • Viral Meningitis:
    • Clear CSF
    • Normal glucose
    • Slight increase in protein and white blood cells
    • Negative gram stain

Treatment

• Antibiotics for bacterial meningitis
• Analgesics for pain management
• Anticonvulsants for seizure risk

Nursing Care

• Droplet Precautions
  • For suspected/confirmed bacterial meningitis
  • First 24 hours with antibiotic therapy
  • Remember: "It's Raining Men" song for droplet precautions
• Seizure Precautions
  • Pad side rails
  • Have oxygen equipment ready
• Monitor neurological status
• Provide quiet, dimly lit room
• Minimize intracranial pressure
  • Head of bed at 30 degrees
  • Keep head midline
  • Minimize suctioning

Quiz Questions

1. CSF Appearance
   • Bacterial: Cloudy
   • Viral: Clear
2. Signs
   • Positive Koenig and Brzezinski: True
3. Precautions
   • Suspected bacterial meningitis: Droplet precautions

Conclusion

• Encouragement to subscribe and share the video
• Engage with content by liking and commenting

These notes summarize key points from a lecture on meningitis, covering its definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention along with a quiz to test understanding.