clinical manifestations
Ominous sign of brain death
what kind of IV fluid for ICP?
hypertonic: 3% normal saline
What medication do you give if the patient has viral encephalitis from the herpes virus?
acyclovir: an antiviral
For what should you perform a lumbar puncture test(CSF fluid)?
Bacterial meningitis, encephalitis, and MS(to rule out meningitis/infection).
What two types of breathing do you watch for with increased ICP?
Cheyne Stokes and ataxic
What are the 2 hallmark signs of bacterial meningitis? What are 2 others?
Nuchal rigidity and photophobia. Non-blanching skin rash and petechiae.
What can you give to suppress the immune system for myasthenia gravis?
IV immunoglobulin G
What medication can we NOT give to a patient with bacterial meningitis?
ibuprofen
For what do you perform an EMG for?
Multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis (to rule out MS)
What precautions do you put a patient on with bacterial meningitis?
Droplet precautions.
Otorrhea. Fracture into the skull and dura mater.
In a patient with MS, what can exacerbate their symptoms.
Extreme temperatures, infections(UTI/URI), caffeine, immunizations, childbirth, people who are sick and stress.
True or false: You should suction a patient with rhinorrhea
False, it could cause meningitis.
What test helps determine ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke?
Cerebral blood flow
What is the difference between a craniotomy and a craniectomy?
A craniotomy involves removing a part of the skull and replacing it after the surgery. A craniectomy leaves the bone out to allow for swelling/relieve pressure.
What are the 4 main signs of a CVA?
FAST: facial dropping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and time.
What can you educate a patient with parkinsons to do if they "freeze" while walking?
Take one step backward, then 2 steps forward. Think about stepping over an object on the floor. Rock from side to side. Swing their arms.
What can you do to prevent contractures of the hands and foot drop in a stroke patient?
Washclothes in the hand and high-top tennis shoes.
What diangostic test helps us see the elctrical activity in the brain in a patient with seizure disorder?
EEG and magnetoencephalography.
What can you NOT give a patient with a hemorrhagic stroke?
What complication can an absent cough/swallow reflex indicate?
myasthenic crisis
True or false: you should only suction after a seizure
true
When positioning a sezire patient, what two things should you avoid? What can you do instead?
Avoid hip flexion and raising of the legs. You can put calves on pillows.
Alzheimers
What 2 things do you need to monitor for in a patient with increased ICP?
SIADH and diabetes insipiudis because of the pressure on the hypothalamus and pituitary.