Please read the clinical scenario, and then answer the question that follow to become familiar with the traditional NCLEX question format.
Nancy has brought in her 75-year-old mother, Leah, into your ER because she has not been acting like herself. She has been using her hands less and less, complained of a severe headache, and then developed a severe tremor, high fever, and has now stopped talking. Her gait has also been effected. She reports a recent trip to the woods to go camping as a family. As Nancy is giving you the history, Leah collapses on the floor and has a seizure.
-Multiple tests are performed,and it is discovered that Leah has Eastern equine encephalitis.What is the best initial treatment regimen?

Question

Please read the clinical scenario, and then answer the question that follow to become familiar with the traditional NCLEX question format.
 Nancy has brought in her 75-year-old mother, Leah, into your ER because she has not been acting like herself. She has been using her hands less and less, complained of a severe headache, and then developed a severe tremor, high fever, and has now stopped talking. Her gait has also been effected. She reports a recent trip to the woods to go camping as a family. As Nancy is giving you the history, Leah collapses on the floor and has a seizure. 
-Multiple tests are performed,and it is discovered that Leah has Eastern equine encephalitis.What is the best initial treatment regimen?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

There is currently no specific antiviral medication to treat Eastern equine encephalitis. Management of symptoms and supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. In this case, the best initial treatment regimen would include hydration to prevent dehydration, antiepileptic drugs to control seizures, rapid cooling to lower fever, and a neurosurgery consult to assess for any potential complications related to the disease. LP, CT, and MRI may be useful for diagnostic purposes, but they are not part of the initial treatment regimen. Acyclovir and medical coma are not effective treatments for Eastern equine encephalitis. Heart catheterization is not indicated for this condition.

Please Read the Clinical Scenario, and Then Answer the Question