A patient with acute meningitis is receiving antibiotic therapy. The nurse realizes that another medication is used as adjuvant therapy. This medication is:
1. An anticonvulsant
2. A steroid
3. A barbiturate
4. A pain medication
2
Rationale 1: Anticonvulsants are not used as adjuvant therapy for meningitis.
Rationale 2: Steroids are currently recommended as adjunctive treatment of bacterial meningitis. Dexamethasone is believed to interrupt the neurotoxic effects resulting from the lysis of bacteria during the first days of antibiotic use. When steroids are given, they should be administered prior to or during the administration of antibiotics on the first 2 days of therapy.
Rationale 3: Barbiturates are not used as adjuvant therapy for meningitis.
Rationale 4: Pain medication is not used as adjuvant therapy for meningitis.
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