Encephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, most often due to infections.
Some patients may have symptoms of a cold or stomach infection before encephalitis symptoms begin.
When a case of encephalitis is not very severe, the symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, including:
- Fever that is not very high
- Mild headache
- Low energy and a poor appetite
Other symptoms include:
- Clumsiness, unsteady gait
- Confusion, disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Irritability or poor temper control
- Light sensitivity
- Stiff neck and back (occasionally)
- Vomiting
Symptoms in newborns and younger infants may not be as easy to recognize:
- Body stiffness
- Irritability and crying more often (these symptoms may get worse when the baby is picked up)
- Poor feeding
- Soft spot on the top of the head may bulge out more
- Vomiting
Emergency symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness, poor responsiveness, stupor, coma
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Seizures
- Severe headache
- Sudden change in mental functions:
- "Flat" mood, lack of mood, or mood that is inappropriate for the situation
- Impaired judgment
- Inflexibility, extreme self-centeredness, inability to make a decision, or withdrawal from social interaction
- Less interest in daily activities
- Memory loss (amnesia), impaired short-term or long-term memory
Nursing Interventios for Encephalitis
High risk of infection associated with lower body resistance to infection
Goal :
no infection
Expected results :
Healing on time with no evidence of spread of infection endogenous
Nursing Intervention :
Defense aseptic technique and proper hand washing techniques either nurses or visitors. Monitor and limit visitors.
R /. reduce the risk of patients exposed to secondary infection. control the spread of the source of infection.
Measure the temperature on a regular basis and clinical signs of infection.
R /. Detecting early signs of infection
Give antibiotics as indicated
R /. Drugs are selected depending on the type of infection and sensitivity of the individual.
High risk of injury associated with seizure activity
Goal :
There was no trauma
Results expected :
Not having a seizure
No trauma
Nursing Intervention :
Give safety to patients by giving bearings, fixed the bed barriers and give a booster attached to the mouth, the airway remains free.
R /. Protect patients in case of seizure, booster mouth somewhat tongue is not bitten.
Note: enter the booster mouth when the mouth just relaxation.
Maintain bed rest in the acute phase.
R /. Lowering the risk of falling / injury during the vertigo.
Collaboration
Give the drug as an indication as delantin, valum, etc..
R /. An indication for treatment and prevention of seizures.
Observation of vital signs
R /. Early detection of seizures for possible further action.