Meningitis Flashcards

Flashcards about Meningitis

What is Meningitis?

Inflammation and swelling of the meninges

What are meninges?

Protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

What can cause Meningitis?

Bacterial, viral, parasites, or fungi

What is the most common type of meningitis in the US?

Viral infections

Can meningitis be contagious?

Infectious or non-infectious

What does Meningitis require?

Urgent medical evaluation and treatment

How can Meningitis be spread?

Close contact with others that are infected through coughing and sneezing

What are the two types of Meninges presented?

Normal and Infected

What is a common symptom of Meningitis in adults?

Sudden onset of high fever

How do meningitis symptoms vary?

Severity and Type

What is a major symptom of Meningitis in adults?

Stiff neck

What type of headache occurs with Meningitis?

Severe headache

What gastric issues occur with Meningitis?

Nausea and Vomiting

What cognitive changes occur with Meningitis?

Mental status changes

What neurological event can occur with Meningitis?

Seizures

What energy changes occur with Meningitis?

Sleepiness or lethargy

What is photophobia as it relates to Meningitis?

Light sensitivity

How does Meningitis affect one's appetite?

Decreased appetite or desire to drink

What dermatological symptom shows with Meningitis?

Rash

What is body stiffness as it relates to Meningitis?

Stiffness in the body or neck

What symptom occurs in babies with Meningitis?

Bulging ‘soft spot’ on top of the baby’s head

What is a common symptom in Newborns and Infants with Meningitis?

High fever

What type of crying occurs in babies with Meningitis?

Inconsolable crying

What sleep changes occur in babies with Meningitis?

Hypersomnia (increased sleepiness) or lethargy

What is it difficult for babies with meningitis to do?

Trouble waking up from sleep

What body movement changes occur with Meningitis?

Sluggish or decreased movement

What dietary changes occur with Meningitis?

Refusal to eat or drink

What feeding issues occur with Meningitis in babies?

Poor feeding

What are gastric issues in babies with Meningitis?

Vomiting

What soft spot change occurs in babies with Meningitis?

Bulge in the “soft spot” on top of the baby’s head

What is a common vital sign change in Meningitis?

Fever

What gastric issue occurs with Meningitis?

Vomiting

What head pain occurs with Meningitis?

Headache

What dermatalogical change occurs with Meningitis?

Rash

What mental state change occurs with Meningitis?

Confusion

What involuntary movement occurs with Meningitis?

Seizures

What diagnostic test is used for Meningitis?

Lumbar puncture

What brain imaging is used to diagnose Meningitis?

Brain imaging (CT scan, MRI)

What blood test is used to diagnose Meningitis?

Blood cultures

What complete blood count is used to diagnose Meningitis?

CBC

What inflammation rate is used to identify Meningitis?

ESR, CRP

What immediate treatment is required for Bacterial Meningitis?

Hospitalization

What antibiotics are used to treat Bacterial Meningitis?

IV antibiotics (vancomycin, ceftriaxone, gentamycin)

What is a medication to treat Bacterial Meningitis?

Steroids

What assists breathing in Bacterial Meningitis?

O2 therapy

What type of care is needed for Viral Meningitis?

Supportive care

What fluid treatment is needed for Viral Meningitis?

Hydration

What symptom management is needed for Viral Meningitis?

Pain and discomfort management

What helps recover from Viral Meningitis?

Rest

What temperature changes appear in babies or toddlers with Meningitis?

Fever - cold hands & feet

What facial expression appears in babies or toddlers with Meningitis?

Blank, staring expression

What feeding issues occur in babies or toddlers with Meningitis?

Refusing food or vomiting

What irritability occurs in babies or toddlers with Meningitis?

Fretful or dislike being handled

What sleeping issues occur in babies or toddlers with Meningitis?

Drowsy, difficult to wake

What body stiffness occurs in babies or toddlers with Meningitis?

Stiff neck, arched back

What type of cry occurs in babies or toddlers with Meningitis?

High pitched cry

Does bacterial meningitis normally require hospitalization and immediate treatment?

Requires immediate treatment

What is the main treatment for bacterial meningitis?

Antibiotics

What type of primary care is required for viral meningitis?

Supportive care only

Is dealing with viral meningitis as critical as treating bacterial meningitis?

Not as critical

Is early diagnosis vital in treating meningitis?

Early diagnosis

What is the primary physiological effect of meningitis?

Inflammation of the meninges

Name one agent that might cause meningitis

Bacterial, Viral, Fungi, Parasites

What is a primary method of spreading meningitis?

Coughing, sneezing