Question

Case Study, Chapter 69, Management of Patients With Neurologic Infections, Autoimmune Disorders, and Neuropathies Brian Jones, a 22-year-old college student, is admitted from the emergency department to c/o severe constant headache. The patient presented with the following vital signs: temperature, 104°F; blood pressure, 110/70 mm Hg; heart rate, 100 bpm; respiratory rate, 20 breaths/min. (Learning Objective 1)

1. What additional signs and symptoms could a patient diagnosed with bacterial meningitis exhibit?(3.33 points)

2. What diagnostic and lab tests are used to confirm the diagnosis of meningitis? (3.33 points)

3. What nursing interventions should be provided for the patient?(3.33 points)

Answer 1

1. What additional signs and symptoms could a patient diagnosed with bacterial meningitis exhibit?

Bacterial meningitis is the inflammation of meninges that affects the brain and spinal cord. The additional signs and symptoms which exhibit the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis are

• High fever
• nausea and vomiting
• neck stiffness
• muscle pain
• sensitivity to light
• confusion

2. What diagnostic and lab tests are used to confirm the diagnosis of meningitis?

• Complete blood count and ESR level
• Blood culture and gram stain to identify the organism.
• CT scan to detect the inflammation of meninges.
• Spinal tap and CSF analysis to detect the increased blood cell and protein.

3. What nursing interventions should be provided for the patient?

Nursing interventions	Rationale
Maintain isolation precaution	the bacteria may spread via droplet.
Assess the vital signs and neurological status more frequently.	inflammation of the brain may decrease the level of consciousness.
Reduce the fever	To minimize the risk of complications.
Administer analgesics and anti-inflammatory medicines.	To reduce the infection.
Follow infection control measures.	To prevent cross-contamination
Take measures to prevent complication.	Avoid the risk of secondary complication.