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. Clinical laboratory scientist
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.
