Objectives 1-4 are covered in the Case Study Workbook.

 

1. Describe the three meninges in terms of name, composition, and location.

 

2. Define the epidural, subdural, and subarachnoid spaces in the spinal cord in terms of location. Identify substances found in these spaces.

 

3. Describe cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in terms of composition, location, function, production, and pathway of flow.

 

4. List three ways that CSF contributes to maintaining homeostasis.

 

5. Define blood-brain barrier and ways microorganisms may gain access to the normally sterile spinal fluid and meninges. It is important to note that bacteria or viruses must cross the blood brain barrier to cause meningitis. Medications used must also be able to cross the blood brain barrier for treatment.

 

6. Discuss meningitis using the links in the case study and the workbook.

• a. Define meningitis.
• b. Define the most prevalent organism that causes bacterial meningitis in individuals 15-24.
• c. Discuss the effects of meningitis on various body systems.
• d. Discuss the toxin produced in meningococcal pneumonia and its affect on the body.
• e. Discuss how bacterial organisms gain access to the central nervous system.
• f. Discuss the differences between bacterial and viral meningitis.

7. Describe diagnostic testing methods used to diagnose meningitis and determine the effect of the disease to include:

• a. Lumbar puncture
• b. Laboratory procedures including spinal fluid and blood analysis.
• c. CAT scan

8. Define the key laboratory parameters (in spinal fluid and blood) that patient care individuals need for the diagnosis and treatment of meningitis. Which results are necessary for the physician to select appropriate treatment? Define normal as well as abnormal values.

 

9. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of a CAT scan over a standard X-ray.

 

10. Describe the signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis.

 

11. Define the following as they apply to acute meningitis:

• a. petechiae
• b. septicemia
• c. Gram stain
• d. blood culture

12. Describe common vaccines used for the prevention of meningitis.

 

13. Describe the modes of transmission of bacterial meningitis and why it poses such a public health hazard.

 

14. Briefly outline the protocol for managing people contacts that have associated with a patient that has acquired acute bacterial meningitis.

 

15. Define the roles of the health care workers in diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of meningitis to include:

• a. Nursing
• b. Physician
• c. Medical Laboratory Technologist
• d. Radiology technician
• e. Epidemiologist

16. Define treatment protocol for patients with bacterial meningitis including the purpose of steroid drugs such as dexamethazone.

 

17. Describe the possible consequences of a missed or delayed diagnosis of a case such as the one we are studying.  Include consequences for the patient and the community.