Bacterial Meningitis – Patient Education
What It Is
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that causes swelling in the layers of tissue (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. This swelling happens when bacteria enter the fluid around the brain. It is a medical emergency and needs treatment right away.
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Causes and Risk Factors
Bacteria can enter the body through the nose, throat, or bloodstream, and then reach the brain.
You may be more likely to get bacterial meningitis if:
You are a baby, older adult, or have a weak immune system.
You live in close quarters, such as a college dorm or military barracks.
You have had a head injury or brain/spinal surgery.
You have infections in the ears, sinuses, or lungs.
You are not vaccinated against meningitis-causing bacteria.
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Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can appear quickly and may include:
Fever and chills
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
Trouble waking up or extreme tiredness
Seizures (jerking movements)
Early warning signs may be fever, headache, or stiff neck before other symptoms get worse.
In babies, look for fever, high-pitched crying, poor feeding, or a bulging soft spot on the head.
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Complications if Untreated or with Noncompliance
If not treated quickly, bacterial meningitis can cause:
Brain damage
Hearing loss
Seizures
Problems with movement or learning
Death
Not following treatment instructions can increase the chance of these complications or make the illness come back.
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Treatment and Self-Care Measures
In the hospital:
IV (intravenous) antibiotics to kill the bacteria
Medicines to reduce swelling and control pain or fever
IV fluids to prevent dehydration
Oxygen or breathing support if needed
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At home after hospital discharge:
Take all prescribed medicine exactly as told
Rest and drink enough fluids
Keep follow-up doctor appointments
Avoid close contact with people until cleared by your doctor if your meningitis type is contagious
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Common Types of Medications, Purpose, and Side Effects
Antibiotics – kill the bacteria causing the infection. Possible side effects: upset stomach, diarrhea, allergic reactions.
Steroids (like dexamethasone) – reduce brain swelling and inflammation. Possible side effects: increased blood sugar, mood changes, upset stomach.
Pain or fever reducers (like acetaminophen) – help with discomfort and fever. Possible side effects: liver problems if overused.
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Dietary Needs
Eat well-balanced meals to help your body heal.
Drink plenty of water unless your doctor says otherwise.
If you feel nauseated, eat smaller meals more often.
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Lifestyle Changes
Get recommended vaccines.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, which can lower your immune defense.
Maintain good hygiene—wash hands often, don’t share utensils or drinks.
Rest enough and avoid overexertion during recovery.
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Safety Considerations
Some forms of meningitis spread through close contact—avoid kissing, sharing cups, or coughing near others until your doctor says it’s safe.
Tell people you live with or are close to if your meningitis is contagious; they may need preventive antibiotics.
Watch for any return of symptoms after treatment.
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Prevention and Maintenance Tips
Stay up to date on meningococcal, Hib, and pneumococcal vaccines.
Treat sinus, ear, or lung infections promptly.
Practice good hand hygiene.
Avoid contact with sick individuals when possible.
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When to Call for Help
Call Your Home Health Agency or Doctor if you have:
Mild headache or fever that is new or getting worse
Upset stomach or vomiting that makes it hard to keep medicines down
Side effects from your medicines (rash, diarrhea, stomach pain)
Any questions about your care plan or medicines
Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room if you have:
Sudden, severe headache with fever
Stiff neck with fever
Confusion, trouble staying awake, or acting strangely
Seizures
Rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
Trouble breathing
© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911
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Patient Homework – True/False Questions
Instructions: Read each statement carefully. Decide if it is True or False.
If it is False, write the correct information after the statement.
Number each answer the same as the question.
1. True or False: Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the brain covering and spinal cord lining.
2. True or False: This disease is caused by viruses only.
3. True or False: A stiff neck and fever can be early warning signs.
4. True or False: Babies may show different signs, such as a bulging soft spot on the head.
5. True or False: If untreated, bacterial meningitis can cause hearing loss or brain damage.
6. True or False: IV antibiotics are the main treatment for bacterial meningitis.
7. True or False: You can stop antibiotics as soon as you start to feel better.
8. True or False: Common side effects of antibiotics include upset stomach and diarrhea.
9. True or False: Getting recommended vaccines can help prevent bacterial meningitis.
10. True or False: You should share drinks to help build immunity after meningitis.
11. True or False: If you have bacterial meningitis, some forms may spread to others.
12. True or False: It is safe to skip follow-up appointments if you feel well after treatment.
13. True or False: Good handwashing can help prevent the spread of germs.
14. True or False: Rest and a healthy diet are important for recovery.
15. True or False: People you live with may need antibiotics to prevent infection.
16. True or False: Call your doctor if you have mild new symptoms like headache or fever.
17. True or False: Call 911 for confusion, seizures, or trouble breathing.
18. True or False: Smoking helps the immune system fight off bacterial meningitis.
19. True or False: Meningitis can come back if you do not finish your medicine.
20. True or False: A rash that does not fade when pressed can be a sign of severe illness.
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ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK
Individualizing Learning
Your nurse or health provider will review your own health situation and ask questions such as:
What type of bacteria caused your meningitis?
Which specific antibiotic(s) are you taking, and how often?
Have you noticed any side effects from your medicines?
Are you up to date on meningitis-related vaccines?
Do you have any other health conditions that affect your immune system?
What did your most recent lab results show (such as white blood cell count)?
Have you been around anyone who might need preventive treatment?
How will you arrange transportation if you need to go to a follow-up appointment?
What changes have you made at home to prevent spreading germs?
What steps will you take if symptoms return suddenly?
© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911
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Answer Key – Bacterial Meningitis Patient Homework
1. True – It affects the meninges, which are the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord.
2. False – It’s caused by bacteria, not just viruses. (Viruses can cause viral meningitis, but this is a different type.)
3. True – Fever and stiff neck are common early signs.
4. True – Babies may show different symptoms like bulging soft spot, poor feeding, or high-pitched crying.
5. True – Without quick treatment, it can cause brain damage, hearing loss, or death.
6. True – IV antibiotics are the main treatment for bacterial meningitis.
7. False – You must take all antibiotics as prescribed, even if you feel better, to fully kill the bacteria.
8. True – Antibiotics can cause side effects like upset stomach, diarrhea, or allergic reactions.
9. True – Vaccines can protect against several bacteria that cause meningitis.
10. False – Sharing drinks spreads germs; it does not build immunity.
11. True – Some forms of bacterial meningitis can be spread through close contact.
12. False – Follow-up visits are important to check recovery and prevent complications.
13. True – Handwashing is an important way to prevent infection.
14. True – Good nutrition and rest help the body heal.
15. True – Close contacts may need preventive antibiotics.
16. True – New symptoms like headache or fever should be reported to your doctor or home health agency.
17. True – These are emergency signs and require immediate medical attention.
18. False – Smoking harms the immune system and makes it harder to fight infections.
19. True – Not finishing medicine can allow bacteria to survive and cause infection again.
20. True – A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed can signal a serious emergency.