(5)
Provide discharge planning information to the patient and family.
(a) Follow up appointments with the physician.
(c)
Possible follow-up with the community health nurse.
2-30. ENCEPHALITIS
a. Definition. Encephalitis is an infectious disease of the central nervous
system characterized by pathological changes in the gray and white matter of the cord
and brain. Pathophysiological changes associated with encephalitis include:
(1)
Severe, diffuse inflammation of the brain.
(2)
Intense lymphocytic infiltration, especially around cerebral blood vessels.
(3)
Possible extensive nerve cell destruction.
b. Causes of Encephalitis.
(1)
Microorganisms.
(2)
Chemical toxins (lead, arsenic, carbon monoxide).
(3) As a complication of infectious childhood diseases (measles, rubella,
chicken pox).
c. Signs and Symptoms. (Onset of symptoms is usually very sudden.)
(1)
Fever.
(2)
Severe headache.
(3)
(4)
Vomiting.
(5)
Altered level of consciousness, lethargy.
(6)
Seizures.
(7)
Incoordination, muscular weakness.
(8)
Visual disturbances (photophobia, diplopia).
MD0919
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