N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 66 of 204 Risk for altered body temperature related to fever and inflammation • Altered mental status related to cerebral inflammation • Risk for injury related to altered mental status • Knowledge deficit related to disease, treatment, and prevention Nursing interventions for encephalitis: • Monitor closely for changes in mental status and worsening of symptoms • Seizure precautions • Fall precautions • Give medications as ordered by MD (anti-virals, anticonvulsants, steroids, and analgesics) o Note: there are no specific medications for West NileVirus • Offer frequent fluids, unless MD orders fluid restriction (possible with encephalitis) • Monitor Intake and Output • Teach about disease process, treatment, and prevention by use of DEET sprays, long sleeves, and avoiding high risk areas with standing water Expected outcomes for encephalitis: • Demonstrates relief of symptoms and normal body temperature • Demonstrates compliance with treatment • Verbalizes understanding of disease, treatment, and prevention • Demonstrates acceptable level of consciousness • Free from seizure activity or related injuries Nosocomial Infections No one likes to be in the hospital. For many, it is a terrifying experience and they feel vulnerable to anything. For the most part, with good standards, hospitals are very safe. Nosocomial infections are one hazard of hospital visits and stays. Even with thorough sanitary practices, hand washing, gloves, and other protection there is still risk of infection in a hospital. Nosocomial infections increase the length of hospital stays, affect a hospital’s liability, and can put nurses at risk. This is why effective infection control practices are absolutely necessary to protect patients and staff. In recent times, there has been an emergence of “super-bugs” that have resulted from antibiotic overuse in society. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) are two antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria that can potentially be transmitted nosocomially. Nursing diagnosis for encephalitis: •