Something's Wrong
This phase of a migraine may include neurologic symptoms such as tingling of the face, visual disturbances, or blind spots before the headache begins.
Aura
This life-threatening seizure complication occurs when seizure activity persists or recurs without the client regaining consciousness between episodes.
Status Epilepticus
A client with severe increased intracranial pressure requires continuous ICP monitoring and therapeutic drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. The nurse anticipates placement of a __________.
Ventriculostomy
A client with Alzheimer's disease has been taking donepezil. Which finding would suggest the medication is having its intended effect?
Improved cognitive function
An autoimmune disorder characterized by a reduced number of functioning acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. My hallmark finding is muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
The nurse notices clear otorrhea and rhinorrhea following a head injury. The nurse is concerned for which process and will do what with the drainage
CSF leak; check for glucose
An older adult who was alert this morning is now disoriented, unable to focus attention, and experiencing visual hallucinations. This acute change in mental status is most consistent with
delirium
A client with suspected meningitis becomes increasingly difficult to arouse. Before obtaining cerebrospinal fluid through a lumbar puncture, the nurse should recognize this finding may indicate
increased intracranial pressure
A client with increased intracranial pressure is prescribed mannitol (Osmitrol). What assessment finding best indicates the medication is having its intended effect?
Increased urine output and improved level of consciousness
An 82-year-old client is brought to the emergency department for increasing confusion and weakness. The family reports the client fell several weeks ago but never sought treatment because there was no loss of consciousness. Symptoms have gradually worsened over the past month.
Chronic subdural hematoma
A client with ALS reports increasing difficulty swallowing liquids and frequently coughs while eating. The nurse is concerned for
aspiration; pneumonia; respiratory compromise
A client with increased intracranial pressure is showing signs of impending brain herniation. Name the three findings that make up Cushing's triad
widening of pulse pressure, bradycardia, irregular breathing
A client with increased intracranial pressure develops worsening neurologic status. Name one of the nurse's first interventions to promote venous drainage and reduce ICP.
elevated head of bed, ensure neck is midline
This anticholinesterase medication is considered first-line therapy for myasthenia gravis
Pyridostigmine
Client reports intermittent episodes of blurred vision, numbness in extremities, fatigue, and an electric-shock sensation down the spine with neck flexion. Symptoms improve for months before returning.
Multiple Sclerosis
A client reports increasing weakness that began in the feet one week after recovering from influenza. The nurse is concerned because this may indicate
Guillian-barre syndrome
This life-threatening complication of meningitis may be manifested by decreasing level of consciousness, worsening headache, and pupillary changes.
Increased intracranial Pressure
A client begins actively seizing while walking to the bathroom. The nurse's first action is to
lower the patient to the floor/ ensure safety
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for phenytoin. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for and report which of the following adverse effects of this medication?
Skin Rash - rash can progress to SJS or toxic epidermal necrolysis
Occurs when dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra are progressively destroyed, disrupting communication within the basal ganglia and impairing voluntary movement
Parkinson's Disease
A client with a new spinal cord injury asks, "Does this mean I'll never move my legs again?" Assessment reveals flaccid paralysis and absent reflexes below the level of injury. The nurse recognizes that neurologic function cannot yet be accurately assessed because
A client with a T4 spinal cord injury has a blood pressure of 84/40 mm Hg, heart rate of 46/min, and difficulty regulating body temperature. These findings suggest
Neurogenic shock
A client with a T6 spinal cord injury develops a sudden severe headache, flushing above the level of injury, diaphoresis, and a blood pressure of 210/110 mm Hg. After elevating the head of the bed, the nurse should assess for __________ as a potential trigger.
bladder distention
A client with Parkinson disease develops involuntary twisting and jerking movements after starting carbidopa/levodopa. Rather than worsening Parkinson disease, the nurse recognizes these movements as
dyskinesias
The two hallmark protein abnormalities found in this disease are beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (tau protein)