Nursing Intervention for Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis, which you get when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. It usually starts with bacteria that cause a cold-like infection. It can block blood vessels in the brain and lead to stroke and brain damage. It can also harm other organs.

Anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in people whose bodies have trouble fighting infections. Meningitis can progress rapidly. You should seek medical care quickly if you have

* A sudden fever
* A severe headache
* A stiff neck

Early treatment can help prevent serious problems, including death. Vaccines can prevent some of the bacterial infections that cause meningitis. Parents of adolescents and students living in college dorms should talk to a doctor about the vaccination.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
nlm.nih.gov


Nursing Diagnosis for Meningitis

Impaired Tissue Perfusion related to increased intracranial pressure

Goal:

• Patients returned to the state of neurological status prior to illness.
• Increased awareness and sensory function.

Expected results:

• Vital signs within normal limits
• Head pain is reduced
• Increased awareness
• There is an increasing cognitive
• There are no signs or loss of the increased intracranial pressure.

Nursing Intervention for Meningitis

1. Patients total bed rest with supine sleeping position without a pillow
   Rational: intacranial pressure changes, will be able to cause the risk for brain herniation
2. Monitor signs of neurological status with GCS.
   Rational: It can reduce further brain damage.
3. Monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and caution in systolic hypertension.
   Rational: In normal circumstances, autoregulation maintains a state of systemic blood pressure changed by fluctuations. Autoreguler failure will lead to cerebral vascular damage that can be manifested by an increase followed by a decrease in systolic and diastolic pressure. While the increase in temperature to describe the journey of infection.
4. Monitor intake and output
   Rational: hyperthermia can cause increased IWL and increase the risk of dehydration, especially in patients who are not aware, the nausea that reduce oral intake.

Nursing Intervention for Meningitis