Meningitis or encephalitis
NCLEX-RN glossary · Physiological Adaptation
Definition
Acute inflammatory conditions of the cerebral parenchyma or the protective membranes of the central nervous system, often caused by infection or autoimmune triggers.
Meningitis or encephalitis in plain English
Presents a high-priority risk to cerebral perfusion; nurses must monitor for escalation red flags such as increased intracranial pressure or altered level of consciousness. A frequent error is prioritizing non-urgent comfort measures or documentation over the immediate evaluation of cerebral perfusion and signs of meningeal irritation.
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