Intervenciones de enfermería en meningitis bacteriana en adultos

Abstract

Introduction: Bacterial meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the meninges covering the subarachnoid space. It is considered a medical emergency due to the high rate of morbidity and mortality and neurological complications, requiring timely diagnosis and immediate treatment. Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence related to nursing interventions in adult bacterial meningitis. Methodology: A systematic search of scientific articles appearing in different scientific databases such as SciELO, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Taylor & Francis was carried out using keywords such as: “bacterial meningitis,” “prevalence,” “risk factors,” “complications,” “pharmacological treatment,” and “nursing care.” Results: In the United States and Europe, the prevalence in adults is 0.1 and 0.9; in South America, it is 1, and in African countries, from 10 to 40 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Associated factors are age, living in overcrowded places, record of chronic diseases, alcoholism, malnutrition, anatomical anomalies of the ear and internal auditory canal. Complications include kidney impairment, seizures, hearing and vision loss, neuromotor disability, memory and behavioral disorders. Nurses can care for ill patients and possess advanced skills and clinical knowledge to quickly identify signs and symptoms in sick patients. Conclusions: Nursing interventions are essential during the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of people with bacterial meningitis; it is responsible for reporting and monitoring the patient's evolution for as long as required until complete recovery.