Meningitis

INTRODUCTION
Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The inflammation may be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain drugs. Meningitis can be life-threatening because of the inflammation's proximity to the brain and spinal cord; therefore the condition is classified as a medical emergency. The most common symptoms of meningitis are headache and neck stiffness associated with fever, confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light (photophobia) or loud noises (phonophobia).
In adults, a severe headache is the most common symptom of meningitis – occurring in almost 90%
She follows cultural norms and respects other cultures as well.
 Analysis:
A person’s perceptions of and reactions to hospital experience are influenced by individual factors, including family health beliefs and practices, economic factors and cultural and ethnic backgrounds. (Fundamentals of Nursing by: Taylor et al. P 791)
Having a support network (family, friends, or a confidant) and job satisfaction helps people avoid illness. Support people also help the person confirm that illness exists. People with inadequate support networks sometimes allow themselves to become increasingly ill before confirming the illness and seeking therapy. Support people also provide the stimulus for an ill person to become well again.(Fundamentals of Nursing 7th Edition by Barbara Kozier et al. p. 178, 406)
SPIRITUAL PATTERNS
 The patient’s belongs to a Religious affiliation called Roman Catholic but admitted that she attend the Sunday mass occasionally. She’s not active in joining religious groups.
 Interpretation:
The patient is observing religious practices as a
Nutrition She eats more than three times a day. It includes lots of rice, meat, poultry, vegetables, and at times a few serving of fruits. She’s not picky when it comes to food. She drinks plenty of fluids. She ate a three day recall in the hospital. When she got hospitalized, her appetite changed. However she eats whatever is served to her. Interpretation:
Changes occurred when it comes to the patient’s appetite. She takes enough calories per day.
Analysis:
The nutritional habits established during young adulthood often lay the foundation for the patterns maintained throughout a person’s life. Many young adults are aware of the food groups but may not be knowledgeable about how many servings of each group they need or how much constitutes a serving.
- Kozier, Barbara et al. Fundamentals of Nursing Concepts, Process, and Practice, 7th Edition. p. 1180

Activities of Daily Living Before
Hospitalization
During
Hospitalization
Interpretation and Analysis
2. Elimination She defecates once or twice a day and she said that her stools are brown and are soft with foul smell. She experiences no pain in defecating. She voids at least 5 times a day and more especially when she drinks a lot of fluids. She said that her urine is yellow and has an aromatic