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Meningitis/ seizures

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What is Meningitis? Inflammation of the meninges (protective membranes around brain & spinal cord). Caused by bacteria (serious), viruses (more common, milder), or fungi (immunocompromised)
Key Risk Factors for Meningitis Viral infections (mumps, measles), Bacterial infections (sinusitis, pneumonia), Fungal (Cryptococcus), Immunosuppression, Skull fractures, Crowded living.
How does Meningitis progress (Pathophysiology)? Germs enter CNS → meningeal inflammation → increased CSF & sluggish flow → increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Can lead to brain herniation, hydrocephalus, sepsis
Classic Triad of Meningitis Symptoms Fever, Nuchal rigidity (stiff neck), Altered mental status.
Fever, Nuchal rigidity (stiff neck), Altered mental status. Severe headache, Photophobia, N/V, Confusion, Lethargy, Seizures, Red macular rash (meningococcal). Brudzinski’s sign: Flex neck → hips & knees bend. Kernig’s sign: Flex hip & extend knee → pain behind knee.
Most Important Diagnostic Test for Meningitis & What it shows Bacterial: cloudy, ↓ glucose, ↑ WBC, ↑ protein. Viral: clear, normal glucose, ↑ WBC.
Nursing Priorities for Meningitis Patients solate (droplet precautions for bacterial), Monitor neuro status, Reduce ICP (HOB 30°, avoid coughing/straining), Fever management, Pain relief, Minimize stimuli, Maintain fluid & electrolytes, Monitor for complications.
Key Medications for Meningitis Ceftriaxone + Vancomycin (bacterial); Ciprofloxacin prophylaxis (close contacts). Anticonvulsants: Phenytoin (if seizures). Analgesics: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen.
Potential Complications of Meningitis Increased ICP (risk of herniation), SIADH (fluid retention, hyponatremia), Septic emboli (gangrene, stroke).
How to Prevent Meningitis Vaccines: Hib, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal (MCV4, especially for college students).
Define Seizure vs. Epilepsy Sudden, excessive electrical discharge in brain → change in behavior/movement/consciousness. Epilepsy: Chronic disorder with ≥2 unprovoked seizures ≥24 hrs apart.
Types of Generalized Seizures tonic-clonic: Stiffening (tonic), then jerking (clonic). LOC, incontinence, postictal confusion. Absence: Brief staring spells. Myoclonic: Sudden brief jerks. Atonic: Sudden loss of muscle tone → fall.
types of Focal (Partial) Seizures Simple partial: No LOC. Local motor or sensory symptoms. Complex partial: Impaired awareness. Automatisms (lip-smacking).
Risk Factors for Seizures Brain injury (trauma, stroke), Infection (meningitis), Metabolic (hypoglycemia), Alcohol/drug withdrawal, Genetic, Toxins.
Phases of a Seizure Aura:Warning sign. Ictal: Active seizure. Postictal: Recovery (confusion, fatigue).
What is Status Epilepticus? Seizure >5 min OR repeated seizures without recovery. Medical emergency, can lead to brain damage/death.
What is SUDEP? Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Usually occurs during sleep, linked to non-adherence to meds.
Nursing Actions DURING a Seizure (DOs and DONTS DO: Stay with patient, Protect airway (side-lying), Loosen clothing, Note timing & characteristics, Suction & O2 ready, Reorient/assess injuries after. DON'T: Restrain or put anything in mouth.
Key Diagnostics for Seizures EEG (electrical activity), MRI/CT (structural causes), Labs (glucose, electrolytes, tox screen).
Common Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) & Key Side Effects/Monitoring Phenytoin (Dilantin): gingival hyperplasia, ataxia. Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Liver fx, visual changes. Valproate (Depakote): Liver toxicity, pancreatitis. Lamotrigine (Lamictal): Severe rash risk. Levetiracetam (Keppra): Fatigue, dizziness.
Important Patient Teaching for AEDs Take same time daily, DO NOT stop abruptly, Watch interactions (OCPs, warfarin), Carry medical alert ID, Driving restrictions.
Other Treatments for Seizures/Epilepsy (Beyond Meds) Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS), Deep Brain Stimulation, Surgery (remove seizure focus).
Created by: Naturallyirb
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