Question

A child is hospitalized and diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. What can the nurse anticipate will be included in the plan of care and treatment? Select all that apply.

a. Acetaminophen
b. Antibiotic therapy
c. Tepid baths as needed
d. Physical therapy

Answer 1

The care and treatment for a child with bacterial meningitis include aggressive antibiotic therapy (such as ampicillin and gentamicin, or ceftriaxone), acetaminophen for fever and pain, and supportive measures. Tepid baths may be used to reduce fever, and physical therapy may be necessary in recovery.

Step-by-step explanation:

The plan of care and treatment for a child diagnosed with bacterial meningitis is focused on rapid and aggressive antibiotic therapy, as the condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The nurse can anticipate the following to be included in the plan of care:

1. Antibiotic therapy: This is the primary treatment for bacterial meningitis. Common antibiotics include ampicillin and gentamicin, or ceftriaxone for certain bacteria like N. meningitidis.
2. Acetaminophen: To manage fever and pain, acetaminophen may be administered as part of supportive care.
3. Tepid baths: These may be used to help in fever reduction, though they are not a primary intervention.
4. Physical therapy: This may be needed in the recovery phase, especially if the patient has been immobilized for an extended period or has suffered from neurological complications.

It is also likely that supportive measures such as IV fluids and potentially corticosteroids to reduce inflammation will be part of the treatment protocol. Empirical antibiotic treatment begins prior to confirmation of the specific causative agent through diagnostic testing like culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If the pathogen is identified as H. influenzae, other antibiotics like doxycycline or fluoroquinolones may be utilized.