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CONDITION/DISORDER SYNONYMS
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A48.8 Other specified bacterial diseases
G00.8 Other bacterial meningitis
G00.9 Bacterial meningitis, unspecified
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PREFERRED PRACTICE PATTERNS1
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5A: Primary Prevention/Risk Reduction for Loss of Balance and Falling
5C: Impaired Motor Function and Sensory Integrity Associated With Nonprogressive Disorders of the Central Nervous System—congenital origin or acquired in infancy or childhood
5D: Impaired Motor Function and Sensory Integrity Associated With Nonprogressive Disorders of the Central Nervous System—acquired in adolescence or adulthood
5I: Impaired Arousal, Range of Motion and Motor Control Associated With Coma, Near Coma, or Vegetative State
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PATIENT PRESENTATION
An “as-needed” (PRN) physical therapist called in sick to work with reports of flu-like symptoms, particularly sinus congestion, and increasing stiffness in her neck. She also noticed a skin rash and unusual sensations in her hands and feet, and she felt clumsy. She treated patients at the acute care hospital a couple of weeks ago and, because she had not had a flu shot yet, wore a mask while working with most of the patients. She reported to employee health and was sent immediately to the emergency department with suspicion of meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid testing revealed high leukocyte count, high protein volume, and low glucose.
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A type of bacterial meningitis found in the nose and throat
Infection of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord caused by a spread of bacteria
Caused by the haemophilus influenza bacteria (Hib)
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Essentials of Diagnosis
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Bacteria contracted by exhaled droplets from an infected adult or child or by the following:
Hib can enter the bloodstream and cause infection in the meninges or lungs.
No physical test distinguishes a bacterial from a viral infection; must rely on body fluid cultures.
If a central nervous system infection is suspected, the therapist should seek information regarding a potential source of infection or a condition that predisposed the patient to infection.
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