Final answer:
The nurse's interventions for a child with infectious meningitis include administering antipyretics for fever, antibiotics as prescribed, and monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and vigilant supportive care are essential in treatment and preventing the spread of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct answer to the question of which interventions a nurse would include while caring for a child with infectious meningitis is: d) All of the above, which covers administering antipyretics as needed, antibiotics as prescribed, and monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure.Infectious meningitis is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt and effective treatment. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to target the bacteria causing the infection. Beta-lactam antibiotics such as intravenous penicillin or ampicillin, along with gentamicin, are commonly used. In children, specialists may use different antibiotics like cephalosporins or carbapenems depending on the strain of bacteria.
It is vital to administer antipyretics to manage fever, a common symptom of meningitis. This not only provides comfort but also helps to prevent febrile seizures, which are more common in children.Additionally, a nurse must be vigilant in monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure, which can include changes in consciousness, seizures, and other neurological signs due to the inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
Supportive care, including administering IV fluids and possibly corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, is an essential part of the treatment regimen. In cases where N. meningitidis is identified, prophylactic antibiotics may be administered to close contacts to prevent the spread of infection.Vaccination and prophylactic measures are crucial in preventing certain types of meningitis. With proper, aggressive treatment, outcomes are significantly improved, even though there is a mortality rate associated with the condition.