neurological diseases
older adult considerations
cranial nerves
vocab and basic assessment
100

this issue involves inflammation of the protective membrane around the brain and spinal cord. patients may complain of a stiff neck and severe headache. 

meningitis 

100

assessing LOC assesses what topics?

person, place, time, situation

100

when testing CN I, what is a consideration for the patient to do prior to the assessment?

blow nose, if there is mucus, it may block scent. 

olfactory nerve

100

recognize symptoms immediately, determine last-known-well time, activate the stroke response, and assess airway and swallowing. what is this issue?

CVA/ stroke

200

what is a spinal cord injury? what can result from it?

SCI is from traumatic disruption of the spinal cord, commonly from fractures, dislocations, or significant impact. it can result in numbness, loss of sensation, paralysis, and loss of bowel or bladder control.

200

identify the difference between dementia and delirium

Dementia: Usually gradual. Progressive decline in memory and cognition. Over months to years. 

Delirium: Acute onset. Sudden change in attention and awareness. Develops over hours or days w/ fluctuating symptoms. Often associated with an underlying medical cause, (like infection)

200

A nurse evaluates a patient's ability to hear whispered words. Which cranial nerve is being assessed?

A. CN V – Trigeminal

B. CN VII – Facial

C. CN VIII – Vestibulocochlear

D. CN X – Vagus

c

200

GCS, define, what is a perfect score, what is the worst score?

glasgow coma scale assesses loc, 15 is perfect, 3 is the worst

300

mask like facial expression, forward-flexed posture, shuffling gait. from degeneration dopamine producing neurons in the brain.

parkinsons disease

300

an older adult suffered a spinal cord injury from a fall. they are partially immobilized, what are nursing considerations for this patient?

name 3

Fall prevention

Spinal immobilization and alignment

Respiratory and hemodynamic monitoring

Skin integrity and pressure injury prevention/DVT prevention

progressive mobility in later stages of healing

Bladder and bowel management

300

name 1 sensory nerve

name 1 motor nerve

name 1 mixed

Olfactory Sensory

Optic Sensory

Oculomotor Motor

Trochlear Motor

Trigeminal Both

Abducens Motor

Facial Both

Vestibulocochlear Sensory

Glossopharyngeal Both

Vagus Both

Spinal Accessory Motor

Hypoglossal Motor

300

define bradykinesia 

slow movement

400

what is considered the early classic sign of myasthenia gravis

ocular muscle weakness, this results in diplopia and ptosis 

400
an older adult has been in the ICU for a week and is experiencing delirium. what are the expected  s/s this person may have? 

Confusion and disorientation, inattention, memory issues, altered awareness and behavior, changes in sleep, hallucinations, fluctuating symptoms

400

Bells Palsy is a dysfunction ________ (cranial nerve and number) and results in sudden weakness or paralysis unilaterally of the face.

CN VII facial

400

define double vison

diplopia

500

Which nursing intervention is a priority for a client immobilized during the acute ascending paralysis phase of Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

A. Encouraging high-intensity active resistance training in bed

B. Repositioning the client every two hours and performing passive range-of-motion exercises

C. Restricting all fluid intake to prevent fluid overload and edema
D. Keeping the room completely dark and quiet at all times to prevent sensory overload

B

500

An older adult with peripheral neuropathy reports "pins and needles" sensation in both feet. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to emphasize regarding injury prevention?

A. Apply a heating pad to your feet for 20 minutes every evening to improve circulation.

B. Walk barefoot inside your home on carpeted surfaces to maintain foot muscle strength.

C. Soak your feet in warm water twice a day to soothe the nerve pain.

D. Inspect your feet daily using a mirror and always check bath water temperature with your hand or a thermometer.

d

500
double points

what are the three cranial nerves that would be affected with myasthenia gravis (think early stages and its assessment)?

Oculomotor, Trochlear, and Abducens Nerves (CN III, IV, and VI)

500

DOUBLE POINTS

Define BEFAST, explain what you look for in each assessment of BEFAST, and what is it used for? 

The BEFAST acronym for identifying a stroke. 

  • B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance, trouble walking, or dizziness.
  • E — Eyes: Sudden blurred, double, or lost vision in one or both eyes.
  • F — Face: One side of the face droops or feels numb when trying to smile.
  • A — Arm: Weakness or numbness in one arm or leg; one arm drifts downward when raised.
  • S — Speech: Slurred speech, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding a simple sentence.
  • T — Time: Time to call 911 immediately if you see any of these signs.
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