Meningitis: Etiology and Pathophysiology (Nursing)

00:01 Now, that we're clear that meningitis were the location of the structures that are inflamed there inside your head.

00:07 Let's look at what can cause meningitis.

00:10 Now, there's not just one straightforward cause.

00:12 So stick with me, I'm going to give you a list of things in two separate categories.

00:17 Now, the first it could be caused by viruses are pretty familiar with that it would be called viral meningitis.

00:24 It could be caused by bacteria, which is also named bacterial meningitis.

00:28 Now, the last two are kind of weird in this category.

00:31 It could be a fungi, or it could also be a parasite.

00:35 That just leaves me out and gives me nightmares, the thought of a parasite being inside your head like that.

00:42 But all four of these little fellas, they fall into one category called infectious meningitis.

00:48 Okay, so you've got that platform. You've got that framework.

00:51 You know, there's two main categories of causes of meningitis.

00:55 One is infectious, and could be viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.

01:01 The other category is noninfectious.

01:04 So, this one is a little weird, a little trickier.

01:07 And something that's important I want you to keep in mind is remember that viruses are the most common causes of meningitis.

01:13 Okay, pause. So, write yourself a note that viruses are the most common cause of meningitis.

01:20 But bacteria is the most contagious form of meningitis.

01:24 And that's really important that you keep that straight.

01:27 Now, in our downloadable materials, you can find a table where the organisms that actually cause meningitis are more specifically classified and listed for you.

01:35 Just in case you've got some extra free time on your hands to take a look at that. But it's really interesting.

01:40 And particularly, if you get to care for a patient who has meningitis, you're going to want to consult that chart.

01:46 So, make sure, you take a look at it now, but don't memorize it.

01:50 But hang on to it for reference when you're doing patient care.

01:53 This next section is really important to me that you understand because I want you to be safe in practice.

01:59 Now, how meningitis is spread is by droplets? It's not the only diseases spread by droplets.

02:04 But with meningitis, think back to what you know about droplet spreading.

02:09 How does that work? That's when a patient coughs or sneezes somebody who's contagious.

02:14 Those droplets go into the atmosphere.

02:17 The other person inhales them just with normal breathing, and then you end up with big problems.

02:24 So, before I even go on, I want to stop right here, another red slide to catch your attention.

02:29 Because it's always important that you wear the appropriate PPE.

02:34 Now, sometimes things change or recommendations change.

02:38 You just have to look at the research.

02:40 Your hospital will have a policy, or stay up on what your agencies recommend.

02:44 But it is so important that you do not cut corners, or try to get into a room quicker without putting on your PPE.

02:52 your Personal Protective Equipment.

02:55 Okay, it was important enough for me to remind you that that I wanted to take time, right here in this video to remind you, we need you strong and healthy.

03:05 If you're going to be taking care of patients and enjoying life with your family.

03:09 Sometimes you've learned things in nursing school, but you kind of memorize them rather than understand them.

03:14 This is one of those examples. I want you to think through.

03:17 How does an inhaled microorganism end up being meningitis? Well, once it's inhaled, it travels through the body and it sometimes ends up in the meninges.

03:28 Now, remember, we have three of those, right? You see if you can name them. Don't look at your notes.

03:34 Close your eyes and see if you can try to recall that.

03:36 That is an excellent study strategy from the how you PAD your brain.

03:42 Can you remember those three layers? So, I've got the microorganisms in there.

03:45 They've traveled in the brain. They're in the meninges.

03:48 Now look what happens to the meninges.

03:51 There you go. You've got this bright red The artist has created for you to help you know that that's what generates the inflammation.

03:58 The body is responding to those microorganisms.

04:02 This is when the patient will present with meningitis, inflammation of the meninges.