HEALTH TEACHING
I.
TOPIC: Discharge care plan for Pediatric Meningitis
II.
RATIONALE: To provide information and teachings on the what is Bacterial
Meningitis and on how to cope with present illness.
III.
OBJECTIVES:

Patient’s mother will verbalize understanding of cause of
illness

Patient and mother will identify the safety precautions to
protect the child from injury and prevent complications.

Patient and mother will demonstrate understanding on ways
to prevent the spread of disease
IV.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Patient
V.
DATE & TIME: February 27, 2020
VI.
CONTENTS:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Bacterial meningitis is inflammation of the lining that surrounds and protects your brain
and spinal cord. The inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection and can be lifethreatening. The bacteria are found in the mouth, throat, or nose. They are spread from
an infected person to another by coughing, kissing, or sharing food or drinks. It can also
spread from an ear, nose, throat, sinus, or brain infection. A head injury or head surgery
may also spread the infection.
Call your local emergency number (TaRSIER 117) or have someone call if:
If the child is hard to wake.
If the child has a seizure.
Seek care immediately if:
If the child has a headache, fever, and stiff neck.
If the child is confused.
If the child starts to have trouble seeing or hearing.
If the child has a new red or purple skin rash.
What to do during seizure activity:
Clear the area to prevent injury.
Position the child on a flat, carpeted surface, if possible.
Don’t try to restrain the child
Don’t put anything on the child’s mouth.
Turn the child onto the side if the child starts to vomit.
Keep track of the date and time the seizure started, how long it lasted, whether or not the
child lost consciousness, a description of the child’s body movements, what provoked the
seizure (if known), and any injuries the child suffered. Using a watch may help keep
correct time of events.
Call the doctor if:
You have questions or concerns about your child’s condition or care.
Comply medications as directed:
Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
Steroids decrease redness, pain, and swelling.
Seizure medicine helps prevent or control seizures.
Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask
how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other
medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or
pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly. Do not use
more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.
NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is
available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney
problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare
provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
Prevent the spread of bacterial meningitis:
Instruct the child to Wash hands often. Wash hands several times each day. Wash
after using the bathroom and before and after or eating food. Use soap and water every
time. Rub soapy hands together, lacing fingers. Wash the front and back of the hands,
and in between the fingers. Use the fingers of one hand to scrub under the fingernails of
the other hand. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several
seconds. Then dry hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that
contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth
without washing hands first.
Do not share items. This includes food and drinks.
VII.
EVALUATION:
After 30 minutes of health teaching, the patient and mother were able to:
● Verbalize understanding of cause of illness
● Identify the safety precautions to protect the child from injury and
prevent complications.
● Demonstrate understanding on ways to prevent the spread of
disease