Meningococcal B disease

Abstract

The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone is available at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php This practice profile is based on NS632 Willcox A (2012) Meningococcal B disease: assessment and management. Nursing Standard. 26, 26, 50-55. As a nurse working with adults, I was sceptical about how reading this article would be relevant to my practice because meningococcal B disease is the leading cause of death in early childhood. Adults can, however, present with meningococcal B disease. Prevention and early detection of the disease are imperative to improve patient outcomes and prevent morbidity. Meningococcal B disease is difficult to diagnose and manage, therefore it is essential for nurses to recognise the symptoms and refer patients for immediate medical treatment. Bacterial meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the membranes protecting the brain. Symptoms of meningitis may include fever, nausea or vomiting, lethargy, poor appetite, headache, myalgia and respiratory problems. It is also important to be aware of the specific signs of bacterial infection, including photophobia, stiff neck and a non-blanching rash. The article highlighted the difference between meningitis and septicaemia and improved my awareness of the signs of septic shock. The article also emphasised the need for nurses and doctors to follow appropriate management pathways for suspected bacterial meningitis, so I read the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2010) guidelines. I am better informed about the less common and more specific symptoms of the disease. The NICE (2010) guidelines also highlight contraindications to performing a lumbar puncture, which are useful to know when relaying information to medical staff about the patient’s health on admission to hospital or on presentation at the GP surgery. I would like to study the pathways further so that I understand fully what action to take.