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Meningitis- Inflammation of the meninges via the cerebrospinal fluid.

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS:
1. Opisthotonus
2. High-pitched cry
3. Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP) signs

PATHOGNOMONIC SIGN:
Lumbar Tap (CSF pressure is elevated)

TREATMENT:
Antiobiotic therapy

NURSING MANAGEMENT:
1. Room darkened
2. Noise free
3. Turn client frequently
4. Deep breathing exercises (DBE)
5. No coughing

Peritonitis- Inflammation of peritoneum commonly caused by E. Coli.

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS:
1. Rebound tenderness and abdominal muscle rigidity
2. Vomiting

TREATMENT:
1. Bed rest in Semi-Fowler’s position
2. Nasogastric decompression
3. Fluid and Electrolyte Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
4. Antibiotic Therapy

NURSING MANAGEMENT:
1. Assess pain
2. Assess Vital Signs
3. Monitor IV Therapy
4. Auscultate for bowel sounds

Otosclerosis- Fixation of stapes caused by growth hormone.

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS:
1. Ringing or buzzing in the ear.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST:
RINNE’s Test

TREATMENT:
1. Hearing aids
2. Stapedectomy

NURSING MANAGEMENT:
Instruct client to alter position gradually to prevent vertigo post operative care.

Scoliosis- Lateral curvature of the spine.

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS:
1. Prominence of one hip of one scapula
2. Difference in shoulder height
3. Pain
4. Limitation of motion on shortened side of trunk

TREATMENT:
1. Exercise regimen
2. Milwaukee Brace (worn 23 hours a day)
3. Surgery for severe cases
4. Electrical Stimulation

NURSING MANAGEMENT:
1. Maintain spinal alignment.
2. Prepare for surgery if required.

Thromboplhebitis- Inflammation and clot formation of a vein.

SIGN and SYMPTOM:
swollen limb with hard veins that are sensitive to pressure.

PATHOGNOMONIC SIGN:
(+) Homan’s sign

TREATMENT:
1. Prophylactic enti-embolic stockings.
2. Exercise
3. Warm moist heat
4. Anticoagulants
5. Vasodilators
6. Thrombolytic therapy
7. Thrombectomy

NURSING MANAGEMENT:
1. Do not massage leg.
2. Teach patient to wear stockings before rising.

Typhoid Fever- Caused by Salmonella Typhi which invades Gastrointestinal tract.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:
fecal-oral

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS:
1. Fever
2. Headache
3. Rose-colored Papules on abdomen
4. Diarrhea

PATHOGNOMONIC SIGN:
Peyer’s Patches

TREATMENT:
1. Amoxicillin
2. Ciprofloxacin
3. Corticosteroids for first 4 to 5 days

NURSING MANAGEMENT:
1. Maintain safety if delirium is present
2. Encourage soft diet

Cerebrovascular Accident- Interruption in blood flow to area of the brain.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
1. Aphasia
2. Paralysis
3. Visual disturbances
4. Ataxia
5. Slurred speech

PATHOGNOMONIC SIGNS:
1. Hemiplagia
2. Homonymous hemianopsia

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS:
1. CT Scan
2. Lumbar puncture
3. Angiography
4. EEG

TREATMENT:
1. Oxygenation
2. Thrombolytic therapy for Ischemic type
3. Anticoagulants for thrombotic type
4. Glucocorticoids

NURSING MANAGEMENT:
1. Perform neurologic assessments.
2. Monitor vital signs.
3. Low semi-fowlers position.
4. Frequent oral hygiene
5. Prevent pressure ulcer, contractures, atrophy, footdrop.
6. Speak clearly and slowly

What is Cellulitis?
- Infection of deep layers of the dermis, spreads along connective tissue planes.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
1. Pain
2. Itching
3. Swelling
4. Redness
5. Warmth
6. Leukocytosis

DIAGNOSTIC TEST:
CBC

TREATMENT:
1. Antibiotic therapy
2. Rest with elevation of extremity
3. Hot compresses

NURSING MANAGEMENT:
1. Monitor vital signs and WBC count for evidence of systemic involvement.
2. Use aseptic technique when cleaning area
3. Use infection control techniques
4. Elevate extremity

Celiac Disease- Chronic intestinal malabsorption and immobility to digest gluten.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
1. Chronic diarrhea with greasy, bulky, foul-smelling stool
2. Distended abdomen
3. Progressive malnutrition
*Celiac Crisis- severe episode of dehydration and acidosis from diarrhea.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST:
ABG

TREATMENT:
1. Low gluten diet, high in calories and protein.
2. Low fat
3. Small frequent feedings
4. Vitamin supplements

NURSING MANAGEMENT:
Teach patient about dietary restrictions

Buccal Administration-Tablet between the cheek and the gum.
*Sublingual- under the patient’s tongue

Key Points:
1. Tell patient not to smoke before the drug dissolves, caution against chewing the tablet or touching with his tongue.