Meningitis Case Study
Brian Jones, a 22-year-old college student, is admitted from the emergency department to c/o
severe constant headache. The patient presented with the following vital signs: temperature,
104°F; blood pressure, 110/70 mm Hg; heart rate, 100 bpm; respiratory rate, 20 breaths/min.
1. What additional signs and symptoms could a patient diagnosed with bacterial meningitis
exhibit?
The patient will likely exhibit headache, neck pain, neck stiffness, fever, chills, confusion,
lethargy, skin rash, and severe sensitivity to light.
2. What diagnostic and lab tests are used to confirm the diagnosis of meningitis?
Lab tests used to diagnose bacterial meningitis include CSF cell count and differential,
CSF glucose and protein, and a CSF culture and gram stain. Supportive tests would include a CBC
with differential and a CMP. They may also choose to send out the CSF for a bacterial meningitis
panel that would directly identify the bacteria through PCR.
3. What nursing interventions should be provided for the patient?
-elevate the head of bed to at least 30 degrees
- keep the patient’s neck straight
-run IV fluids and antibiotics
-reduce stimuli by darkening the room and keeping quiet
-monitor vitals and pupillary response frequently
-seizure precautions as needed
- monitor I&O to assess for SIADH
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Nur 245
Brian Jones, a 22-year-old college student, is admitted from the emergency department to c/o
severe constant headache. The patient presented with the following vital signs: temperature,
104°F; blood pressure, 110/70 mm Hg; heart rate, 100 bpm; respiratory rate, 20 breaths/min.
1. What additional signs and symptoms could a patient diagnosed with bacterial meningitis
exhibit?
The patient will likely exhibit headache, neck pain, neck stiffness, fever, chills, confusion,
lethargy, skin rash, and severe sensitivity to light.
2. What diagnostic and lab tests are used to confirm the diagnosis of meningitis?
Lab tests used to diagnose bacterial meningitis include CSF cell count and differential,
CSF glucose and protein, and a CSF culture and gram stain. Supportive tests would include a CBC
with differential and a CMP. They may also choose to send out the CSF for a bacterial meningitis
panel that would directly identify the bacteria through PCR.
3. What nursing interventions should be provided for the patient?
-elevate the head of bed to at least 30 degrees
- keep the patient’s neck straight
-run IV fluids and antibiotics
-reduce stimuli by darkening the room and keeping quiet
-monitor vitals and pupillary response frequently
-seizure precautions as needed
- monitor I&O to assess for SIADH
Page | 1
Nur 245
