Headaches
This primary headache presents as severe, bone-crushing, unilateral pain centered around one eye, often causing tearing and nasal congestion
What is a Cluster Headache?
⚡ NCLEX Tip: The first-line emergency treatment for an acute cluster headache is 100% High-Flow Oxygen via non-rebreather mask for 15-20 minutes
A medical emergency defined as continuous seizure activity lasting longer than 5 minutes or recurrent seizures without full recovery in between
What is Status Epilepticus?
⚡ NCLEX Tip: First-line emergency drug class administered IV to stop active status epilepticus is Benzodiazepines (e.g., Lorazepam, Diazepam, Midazolam)
The primary neurotransmitter imbalance in Parkinson’s Disease involving the substantia nigr
What is a deficit of Dopamine and an excess of Acetylcholine (ACh)? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Classic cardinal signs: TRAP (Tremor at rest/pill-rolling, Rigidity/cogwheel, Akinesia/bradykinesia, Postural instability
The hallmark clinical manifestation of Myasthenia Gravis (MG) regarding muscle strength throughout the day
Answer: What is muscle strength being strongest in the morning and weakening as the day/activity continues?
⚡ NCLEX Tip: Administer anticholinesterase drugs (e.g., Pyridostigmine) 30–45 minutes before meals so peak muscle strength aligns with chewing and swallowing!
The primary goal when managing a patient with progressive motor decline (PD, MS, ALS) regarding their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs
Answer: What is maintaining maximum independence for as long as possible? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Allow extra time for ADLs; do not rush or take over tasks they can safely perform independently.
he classic symptom described as a constant, dull, bandlike tightness around the base of the skull or forehead
What is a Tension-Type Headache (TTH)? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: TTH lacks nausea, vomiting, or premonitory prodromes, and activity does not make it worse.
During a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, these are the two absolute safety actions a nurse must NOT do.
What are: Do NOT restrain the patient, and do NOT put anything in their mouth? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Priority actions = turn patient on their side (maintain open airway/prevent aspiration), loosen tight clothing, pad side rails, and time the seizure.
A temporary electrical shock sensation radiating down the spine into the limbs triggered by neck flexion, seen in Multiple Sclerosis.
What is Lhermitte’s sign? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Heat, humidity, and fever drastically worsen MS symptoms (Uhthoff’s phenomenon). Encourage cool baths or cooling vests
A terminal neurodegenerative disease where motor neurons degenerate while cognitive function/intelligence remains completely intact.
Answer: What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS / Lou Gehrig's Disease)? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Priority nursing focus is supporting respiratory status, preventing aspiration, and discussing Advance Directives/mechanical ventilation early.
The most effective exercise modality for MS and PD patients that provides buoyancy, reduces thermal stress, and allows easier joint movement
Answer: What is Water Exercise / Aquatic Therapy? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Hydrotherapy improves mobility without causing overheating or excessive fatigue
hese medications are first-line abortive therapy for moderate-to-severe migraines, but are strictly contraindicated in patients with ischemic heart disease or uncontrolled hypertension
What are Triptans (e.g., Sumatriptan)?
⚡ NCLEX Tip: Triptans work via serotonin-mediated cerebral vasoconstriction. Always screen for cardiac history/angina prior to administration.
his movement disorder presents with an irresistible urge to move the legs accompanied by a "creepy-crawly" sensation that worsens at rest/night and improves with movemen
What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Frequently linked to dopamine dysregulation and iron deficiency. Always check serum ferritin levels.
The classic gait seen in Parkinson’s disease characterized by short, quick, shuffling steps where the patient tilts forward.
Answer: What is a Festinating Gait? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: To prevent freezing/falls, teach PD patients to march in place, step over imaginary lines on the floor, and drop heels first when walking.
An autosomal dominant genetic disorder marked by abnormal, writhing, involuntary movements called chorea, requiring up to 4,000–5,000 kcal/day
nswer: What is Huntington’s Disease (HD)?
⚡ NCLEX Tip: Offspring have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene mutation. High caloric intake is required due to continuous choreic movements.
The overall goal of pharmacological management across degenerative diseases like MS, PD, and ALS.
Answer: What is controlling symptoms and maintaining optimal function (since there is no cure)? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Educate patients never to abruptly stop antiseizure or disease-modifying therapies, as abrupt withdrawal can trigger rebound exacerbations or status epilepticus.
$400 Question: This chronic preventive treatment option for migraines involves multiple injections into the head and neck pain fibers every 3 months for adults with headaches $\ge 15$ days/month.
Answer: What is Botulinum Toxin A (Botox)?
⚡ NCLEX Tip: Teach patients to seek immediate medical care if they experience swallowing or breathing difficulties, as the toxin can rarely migrate
The phase immediately following a tonic-clonic seizure characterized by muscle soreness, extreme fatigue, confusion, and deep sleep
Answer: What is the Postictal Phase? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Focus postictal care on airway assessment, suctioning as needed, taking vital signs, reorienting the patient, and keeping them NPO until fully awake with an intact gag reflex
The classic triad of cerebellar signs often seen in Multiple Sclerosis patients involving eye movements, motor control, and speech.
What are Nystagmus, Ataxia, and Dysarthria? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Due to ataxia and sensory loss, fall risk is high. Teach patients to walk with a wider base of support and utilize assistive devices safely
he diagnostic test used for Myasthenia Gravis that briefly restores muscle strength by blocking acetylcholinesterase, and the antidote that MUST be at the bedside.
nswer: What is the Edrophonium (Tensilon) test, and what is Atropine? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Always have Atropine ready to treat severe bradycardia or cholinergic side effects during Tensilon testing
The priority dietary and environmental safety intervention for a patient with advanced ALS, PD, or MG experiencing bulbar weakness
Answer: What are aspiration precautions (thickened liquids, upright position during/after meals, small bites, and suction available)? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Impaired swallowing (dysphagia) drastically increases the risk of silent aspiration pneumonia, which is a leading cause of death in these conditions.
A severe, daily headache condition occurring upon awakening, caused by the frequent overuse of abortive headache medications such as NSAIDs, triptans, or acetaminophen
Answer: What is Medication Overuse Headache (MOH)? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Management requires abruptly stopping the offending drug and transitioning the patient to alternative preventive agents like amitriptyline
The first-line drug classes used to treat moderate-to-severe Restless Legs Syndrome by increasing brain dopamine levels or reducing neuropathic sensations
What are Dopamine Agonists (e.g., Ropinirole, Pramipexole) and Antiseizure GABA Analogues (e.g., Gabapentin, Pregabalin)? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Warn patients taking dopamine agonists for RLS to report impulse control disorders like compulsive gambling, shopping, or sudden daytime sleepiness.
The phenomenon in advanced Parkinson's disease where levodopa suddenly and unpredictably stops working, leaving the patient temporarily immobile
What is an "Off" Episode (or Hypomobility / On-Off Phenomenon)? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Subcutaneous Apomorphine (Apokyn) can be given for acute "off" episodes. It must be taken with an antiemetic, but NEVER with a $5\text{-HT}_3$ antagonist like ondansetron due to severe hypotension and loss of consciousnes
The mechanism of action of Riluzole (Rilutek) in managing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
What is decreasing the release of glutamate to reduce damage to motor neurons? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Riluzole does not cure ALS or reverse damage, but it extends survival or delays the need for a tracheostomy.
The key psychosocial and ethical care component that nurses must facilitate early in the diagnosis of progressive terminal conditions like ALS and HD.
What are discussions regarding Advance Directives, healthcare proxies, and end-of-life choices (e.g., mechanical ventilation, tube feedings)? ⚡ NCLEX Tip: Initiate these discussions while the patient retains cognitive competence and decision-making capacity so their autonomy is preserved.