Decreasing level of consciousness is an ominous sign in meningitis indicating increased intracranial pressure or worsening infection requiring immediate intervention. Other concerning signs: seizures; focal neurological deficits; signs of shock; and respiratory distress. Meningitis assessment: fever, headache, nuchal rigidity, photophobia, Kernig's sign (pain with knee extension when hip flexed), Brudzinski's sign (neck flexion causes hip/knee flexion). Management includes: prompt antibiotics (after blood cultures if possible but not delayed); steroids in bacterial meningitis; isolation precautions; seizure precautions; fluid management; and pain control. Nurses monitor: neurological status frequently; vital signs; fluid balance; and signs of complications (cerebral edema, hydrocephalus, disseminated intravascular coagulation). Bacterial meningitis is medical emergency with high mortality if treatment delayed. Vaccination prevents certain types (meningococcal, pneumococcal). Rapid recognition and treatment are crucial for outcomes.

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Zambia

• loveness Phiri – 1084 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies