Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is an acute inflammation of the central nervous system that is caused by bacteria, viruses, or rarely fungi (Behrman, et al. 382). The signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis vary from medically routine symptoms to serious life threatening problems. Treatment may include intensive antibiotic therapy, along with extensive nursing care, in an intensive care setting. Complications and prognosis are directly affected by the immediate recognition and treatment of the illness.. Prevention of bacterial meningitis begins at birth and has various possibilities depending on the patients' culture and other medical problems. Bacterial meningitis is a serious medical problem that must be treated immediately for the possibility for a good prognosis. Along with treatment, early recognition of signs and symptoms, and prevention will decrease the severity of meningitis and the possibility of acquiring the infection. "Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord usually caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and rarely parasites. It is almost always a result of hematogenous spread" (Schwartz 526). According to Zimmerman, bacterial meningitis is an infect
The most common symptoms a patient will complain of is nuchal rigidity, headache, or back ache. If the infant is symptomatic at the time of birth, the infection was acquired maternally or during the birthing process. However, outpatient treatment of meningitis should never be considered. If the child becomes "symptomatic during the first week, the mortality rate is twenty to fifty percent" (Fenichel 107) According to Fenichel, "infants requiring intensive care are especially at risk for late onset meningitis because infection is introduced by instrumentation . Ensuring proper dressing changes and cleanliness will decrease the possibility of reintroduction of infection to the lumbar puncture site (Zimmerman, 447-448). Intravenous therapy must be introduced immediately following diagnosis due to the high mortality rates. A bulging fontanelle is an early sign in infants, and headache, fever, vomiting and lethargy are early signs for children whose fontanelle has already closed. The physician then evaluates the leukocyte count, white blood cell count, differential, measurement of protein and glucose levels, and Gram stain. The most common mode of transmission found in children other than newborns is person-to-person contact through respiratory tract secretions or droplets. A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is performed by placing a needle in the lower back, evacuating cerebral spinal fluid, and measuring its pressure. The provider should be available to answer questions, provide emotional support, and maintain a clean environment for the patient. 5% had learning disabilities" (Fenichel, 110). ion caused by "various organisms that can include Hemophilus influenzae, Steptococcus pneumaniae, or Neiseria meningitdis" (446).
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