Brain Reign
defined as spots before the eyes, this is the typical prodromal symptom of a migraine headache.
What is scotoma?
Explain dysarthria and give one example
difficulty speaking (r/t weakened facial muscles)
a chronic inflammatory disease causing demyelination in the central nervous system, resulting in the muscles not receiving the necessary nerve impulses to function properly.
What is multiple sclerosis
a condition that is characterized by slow speech and movement, which produces poor body balance, a characteristic shuffling gait, and difficulty initiating movement.
bradykinesia
Define agnosia and give an example
inability to interpret sensations and hence to recognize things
Nuchal rigidity, skin rash, headache, and a positive Brudzinski sign can indicate this condition
What is meningitis
Speech centers are located in this hemisphere of the brain
What is the left hemisphere
the standard treatment for the severe acute attack of MS
IV Methylprednisolone
dosage of this anti-seizure medication is based on a therapeutic blood level of the drug
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
A major potential side effect of the medication Aspirin(Ecotrin)
Bleeding
How can a nurse manage fatigue when caring for a patient with MS?
scheduling rest periods, encourage range of motion
Identify 3 nursing interventions for a patient with bacterial meningitis
The environment is kept quiet with minimal stimulation. The care is done with general precautions. Fluid intake is encouraged. daytime naps are encouraged to preserve energy.
potential causes of multiple sclerosis
attributed to an environmental factor (bacteria, virus, or chemical) combining with a genetic predisposition for the disease. Current thought also includes the hypothesis that MS is an autoimmune disease
women with epilepsy are more prone to seizures during this time
at the time of menstruation
Explain how a CVA can lead to a seizure
Thrombi from a CVA can occlude vessels, cutting off oxygen supply to cells of the brain and causing a seizure.
Define the following:
diplopia - ptosis - aphasia - dysphagia
diplopia - double vision
ptosis - drooping upper eyelid
aphasia - difficulty understanding/expressing speech
dysphagia - difficulty swallowing
This precaution is placed for patients with dysphagia. Name three related interventions.
Aspiration: tilt head slightly forward when swallowing; Sipping from a cup; sitting upright for 45 minutes after each meal; putting only a teaspoon of food in the patient’s mouth at a time
What is the difference between characteristics of focal, complex partial, simple partial and generalized seizures?
Focal seizures only involve one side of the brain and one side of the body. Complex partial seizures may or may not result in an alteration in level of consciousness. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the body. Simple partial seizures may respond to treatment.
Nursing interventions related to fall precautions include
helping the patient to stand, placing the call light within reach, coaching the patient in active ROM, and reinforcing the use of a walker or cane.
Create a nursing diagnosis for a patient with Parkinson's Disease
Answers will vary
s/s of a cerebral neoplasm
Personality changes, disturbances in judgment and memory, loss of muscular strength and coordination, difficulty speaking, headache that awakens the patient
Describe the four types of MS. Which is the most common?
relapsing remitting, primary progressive, secondary progressive, relapsing progressive
In Bells Palsy, what is the rationale for the following treatments: eye patch, artificial tears, corticosteroids, acyclovir
eye patch - protection from loss of blink reflex
artificial tears - prevent dryness of cornea
corticosteroids - manage inflammation
acyclovir - treat viral causes of the condition
identify at least 5 triggers for trigeminal neuralgia
Drinking cold or very hot liquids, exposure to drafts, light touch or vibration on the face, chewing, brushing the hair, shaving, or washing the face
What is an endarterectomy? When is the procedure indicated?
a surgical procedure to remove the atheromatous plaque material, or blockage, in the lining of an artery constricted by the buildup of deposits. It is indicated to prevent strokes in patients with >60% obstruction.