NAPLEX Review – Central Nervous System Infections: Meningitis, Encephalitis & More

In this high-yield episode, we tackle one of the most urgent and heavily tested infectious disease topics on the NAPLEX: Central Nervous System (CNS) Infections. Based on McGraw Hill’s NAPLEX® Review Guide (5th Edition), this episode breaks down key pathogens, treatment strategies, and must-know pearls to help you master bacterial meningitis, viral encephalitis, and beyond.

✅ What You’ll Learn:

Age-based empiric treatment of bacterial meningitis

Key causative organisms (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes)

Antimicrobials that penetrate the blood-brain barrier

When to use corticosteroids like dexamethasone

Treatment and prevention of viral encephalitis (HSV) with acyclovir

Meningitis chemoprophylaxis (rifampin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone)

Vaccine strategies and prevention pearls for Hib, meningococcal, and pneumococcal infections

NAPLEX-style practice questions with clinical reasoning

This episode is perfect for last-minute review or deep diving into CNS pharmacotherapy concepts you'll see on the NAPLEX exam.

💡 Perfect for:
• Pharmacy students
• Graduates preparing for NAPLEX
• Pharmacists brushing up on ID protocols
• Anyone aiming for high retention and test-day confidence

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