N213: Health Differences Across the Life Span 3

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide • Pain related to spinal inflammation and increased intracranial pressure • Knowledge deficit related to disease, treatment, disease management, and transmission Nursing interventions for meningitis: • Monitor neurological and vital signs frequently; watch for seizure activity • Give IV antibiotics as ordered byMD: o Penicillin : First line drug of choice if patient is not allergic o Rocephin: Given to patients who are allergic to penicillin or drug resistance • Give IV fluids as necessary per MD orders to prevent dehydration • Give diuretics as ordered by MD to reduce cerebral edema • Antipyretics and analgesics for fever and pain • Give anticonvulsants per MD order if seizures occur • Monitor intake and output • If seizures occur, use seizure precautions • Keep room calm, lights and noise low • Isolation precautions for the first 24 hours of antibiotic therapy use • Patient and family teaching on transmission of disease, medications and treatment, and patient interactions with family and visitors Expected outcomes for meningitis: • Demonstrates normal body temperature • Demonstrates appropriate level of consciousness, neurological status, and no seizure activity • Verbalizes increased comfort level and reduction in pain • Demonstrates adequate fluid intake and urinary output • Verbalizes understanding of disease process, treatment regimen, and proper infection control Rheumatic Fever Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci is the most common organism that causes rheumatic fever. Untreated strep throat or respiratory infections can cause the strep bacteria to reach the blood stream and affect the heart (cardiac), joints, skin, and central nervous system. Rheumatic fever causing endocarditis can damage the heart valves permanently. Teenagers and small children are most often affected by rheumatic fever in the winter seasons. It is rare, only affecting about 0.3% of people who develop strep infections. There have been some genetic links to rheumatic fever and auto-immune arthritis and other connective tissue diseases in families. This is because the body produces antibodies to the infection which causes an inflammatory reaction in the connective tissues. Aschoff bodies are the inflammatory hemorrhagic bullous lesions that can ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 77 of 204