Question

Outline a Care Plan for a child with bacterial meningitis.

Answer 1

Outline a Care Plan for a child with bacterial meningitis.

Introduction:

Inflammation of meningeal layer due to certain bacteria called meningitis and commonly caused by Haemophilus influenza type b, streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis.

Diagnosed by CSF analysis by lumbar puncture look for cloudiness, WBC count, elevated protein and decreased glucose level.

1. Require respiratory isolation for at least 24 hours after antibiotic therapy initiated since it is occurring in epidemic form and transmitted by droplets from nasopharyngeal secretions.
2. Considering administration antibiotics consult of administration of this after Lumbar puncture/CSF analysis.
3. Neurological assessment to look for seizure as the complication of cerebral oedema and hyponatremia.
4. Control body temperature.
5. Watch for fall in level of consciousness.
6. Administer pneumococcal conjugate vaccine at the age of 2 months.
7. Prophylactic treatment for close contact of the child.