Chapter 49 Meningitis (Case 19)
Patient Care
Clinical Thinking
• Begin empirical treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and narrow coverage once the organism and sensitivities are known.
History
• Have there been seizures (an important prognostic indicator)? Early generalized seizures may be due to cortical inflammation or SIADH. Focal or later-onset generalized seizures are suggestive of a suppurative complication or permanent brain damage (see Chapter 47, Seizure).
• Review immunization status; specifically Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae vaccines, and in adolescents, Neisseria meningitidis.
• Has there been recent treatment with antibiotics? If so, consider a partially treated meningitis and limited reliability of culture results.
Physical Examination
• Vital signs: Fever in most cases, but can have temperature instability in young infants. Tachycardia will occur if febrile, dehydrated, or in shock. Note hypotension if in shock. Cushing triad of hypertension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression indicates increased intracranial pressure.
• What is the general appearance? Is the child alert and talking? Lethargic? Irritable? Unconscious or disoriented?
• Head, eyes, ears, nose, throat (HEENT): In infants, assess fontanelle size. Measure head circumference under 24 months of age. Any photophobia? Any signs of URI? Is there otitis media?
• Neck: Is there nuchal rigidity? Are Kernig or Brudzinski signs present? These may be unreliable in young infants.