Case Study Extra Credit Assignment

1. Case Study
Extra Credit Assignment
By: Sarah Swartz

2. Background
Katie, a 21 year old college student
has been very tired the past few
days and is experiencing a very stiff
neck accompanied by a fever and
headache. She has been unable to
focus and is quite lethargic. She
recently had a sinus infection. These
symptoms have lasted for 3 days
now

3. What Tests Would You
Order?

4. Tests
Blood tests: check antibodies and foreign
proteins
CT Scan: reveal inflammation
Spinal Tap (lumbar puncture): collect CSF which
will show low glucose levels in a patient with
meningitis

5. What is Your Diagnosis For
Katie?

6. Bacterial Meningitis
Katie has bacterial meningitis. Meningitis
is the inflammation of the membranes
covering the brain and spinal cord, called
the meninges. It is transmitted by
respiratory secretions and close contact
such as kissing, coughing/sneezing on
someone, or being around an infected
person. Meningitis-causing bacteria have
a higher chance at attacking one’s body
after a trauma like surgery or sinus
infection.

7. Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause
of bacterial meningitis and can be very dangerous,
even fatal.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a gram positive coccus.
It also causes pneumonia, ear and sinus infections,
and bacteremia.
Up to 40% of the population may carry
around dormant Streptococcus pneumoniae,
however, the bacteria can still be
transmitted and infect another person.

8. o Pneumococcal meningitis occurs when the bacteria has
entered the bloodstream and moves to the meninges.
The meninges are filled with CSF, a liquid called
cerebrospinal fluid which is used to cushion the brain
against physical damage
o In the CSF,
bacteria can
multiply freely,
releasing
poisons that
initiate
inflammation
and swelling of
the meninges
and brain tissue.
This adds
pressure on the
brain.

9. Treatment
Antibiotics for 10-14 days
Ampicillin
Penicillin G
Cefotaxime
Elevate head of bed to 30°
IV fluids

10. References
• "What Is Meningococcal Meningitis?" Meningococcal Meningitis |
Help Prevent Disease. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.
• "Bacterial Meningitis." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 June 2016. Web.
11 Dec. 2016.
• "Pneumococcal Meningitis." Pneumococcal Meningitis - Meningitis
Research Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.
• "What Is Bacterial Meningitis? - My Nature Call." My Nature Call.
N.p., 04 June 2016. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.