The nurse is caring for a client in the acute phase of meningococcal meningitis. Which nursing actions should be included in the client's plan of care? Select all that apply.

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Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord and is caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms include headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, fever, and altered mental status. The client with meningitis is at risk for seizure due to increased neuroirritability from fever and alterations in intracranial pressure. Bacterial meningitis is frequently caused by Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) in adults. Meningococcal meningitis is highly infectious and requires strict droplet isolation precautions (eg, surgical mask, private room, client masked during transport) (Options A and B). For clients with meningitis, a restful, reduced stimulus environment (eg, quiet, dimly lighted, cool temperature) promotes healing and reduces neuroirritability and seizure risk (Option E). The client should be on bed rest with the head of the bed elevated 10-30 degrees to promote venous return from the brain and reduce sudden changes in intracranial pressure (Option C). (Option D) Seizure precautions (eg, padded bed rails, oxygen and suction equipment at bedside) should be maintained for a client with meningitis. The client may require suction after a seizure has occurred, but nothing should be inserted into the client's mouth during a seizure, including a padded tongue blade, due to the risk of damaging the teeth or oral mucosa. Educational objective: Care for the client with meningococcal meningitis includes droplet isolation precautions, seizure precautions, reduced stimulus environment (eg, quiet, dimly lit), and bed rest with the head of the bed elevated between 10-30 degrees.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client in the Acute