SC121 UNIT 9 Assignment CaseStudy Report 1

Leah Holm

Case Study Report

Case study number: 3

Diagnosis. How was this diagnosis determined?

Mrs. Bree Wakefield is diagnosed with Meningococcal Meningitis. Her symptoms were fever, stiff neck, drowsiness, vomiting, severe headache, rash, light sensitivity, and beginning stages of kidney failure. These symptoms are almost flu like and can rapidly get worse. You’ll typically develop symptoms about three to five days after being exposed to the bacteria, and this duration is known as the “incubation period.” (Holm, 2016). Diagnosis can be determined by a spinal tap from the spinal fluid. A needle is inserted into the spine and tested.

What is the underlying anatomy/physiology for this disease/disorder?

Meningococcal Meningitis is an inflammation and infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. When someone has meningococcal meningitis, the bacteria infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord and cause swelling (2017). The swelling from this disease will trigger the symptoms. Seizures can happen when the disease progresses, and it could lead to death if untreated.

Risk factor(s) present

Mrs. Wakefield lives in a dormitory on campus. Large groups of living community can often spread the bacterium quickly. Some other ricks factors can be skipping vaccinations, age, pregnancy, and having a compromised immune system. Mrs. Wakefield is still under the age of 20, and bacterial meningitis can be common for her age. We should get her medical history to check if her vaccinations are up to date. Vaccinations are very important and anyone who hasn’t completed the recommended childhood or adult vaccination schedule should get it done immediately (Mayo Clinic, 2019).

What tests were performed if any?

Physical exam and diagnostic tests were performed on Mrs. Wakefield. Blood culture test was taken, which is a test that spins blood samples in a special dish to see if microorganisms grow. CT scan and MRI was performed to check any inflammation of the head. Lastly, a spinal tap procedure was done to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF often shows a low sugar (glucose) level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein (Mayo Clinic, 2019).

References:

Holm, G. (2016, January 28). Meningococcal Meningitis: Symptoms. Causes and More. Retrieved July 10, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/health/meningitis-meningococcal#symptoms

Meningococcal | Signs and Symptoms | CDC. (2017, June 7). Retrieved July 10, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/symptoms.html

Meningitis. (2019, January 08). Retrieved July 13, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350508

Follow-up letter to patient

Mrs. Bree Wakefield,

On 10 July 2019, you came into the Emergency Department from the student health center at your college. Your symptoms included: fever, stiff neck, drowsiness, vomiting, severe headache, rash, light sensitivity, and beginning stages of kidney failure. These symptoms usually seem like a flu at first. But it can rapidly get worse. Symptoms typically develop within three to five days after being exposed to bacteria. This duration is known as the “incubation period.”

A physical exam, as well as a diagnostic test were taken. A CT scan showed inflammation of the head. A spinal tap procedure was done to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We concluded that from the tests taken, you had Meningococcal Meningitis.

Meningococcal Meningitis is an inflammation and infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The swelling will trigger the symptoms that you experienced. The bacteria can cause an upper respiratory infection and cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream. It is extremely contagious.

Large groups of living community can often spread the bacterium quickly. Some other ricks factors can be skipping vaccinations, age, pregnancy, and having a compromised immune system. You are still very young and bacterial meningitis can be common for your age. We should get her medical history to check if her vaccinations are up to date.

The treatment you received was a combination of antibiotics, such as Penicillin and Cefotaxime. Also, your doctor was able to drain any infected sinuses. The next steps following your treatment is prevention. Meningitis can spread easily through coughing, sneezing, kissing, and sharing utensils. Washing your hands will help the spread of germs, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Good hygiene like not sharing food, drinks, straws, lip balms can also help with prevention. Cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough. Eat a healthy, balanced meal and get plenty of rest and exercise.

We were unable to get your vaccination history while in the Emergency Department. There are always risks when you skip any vaccinations. Here are two vaccinations we would suggest for your next physical exam: Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) & Meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Having an updated vaccine record will not only help you, but those around you that are unable to receive vaccinations due to allergies and illnesses.

In the meantime, please drink plenty of fluids and take acetaminophen such as Tylenol to help reduce any fever or body aches. Do not go to school if you are unwell because you can still be contagious from seven to fourteen days. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your physician.

Thank you,

Staff at Emergency Department