Key Terms
One-sided weakness
What is hemiparesis?
Test used to detect abnormal brain waves
What is an electroencephalography (EEG)?
Scale used to evaluate a patient's LOC
What is Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
Positioning for patient's with or at risk for increased ICP
What is HOB at 20 to 30 degrees; head midline; hip flexion less than 90 degrees
Paralysis of four limbs
What is tetraplegia?
Test done to evaluate blood flow in the carotid arteries
What is carotid duplex doppler studies?
Components of a "neuro check"
What are vital signs, LOC, pupil reaction, and motor function?
What needs to be done for a patient with a head/neck injury to prevent any further injury
What is stabilization of the neck?
Inability to express oneself through or understand spoken/written language
What is aphasia?
Test used to evaluate the electrical activity of skeletal muscle
What is an electromyography (EMG)?
Posturing that may be seen with brain injury
What is decorticate (damage to the cortex); decerebrate (damage to the midbrain or brainstem)
Medications that may be ordered and administered for increased ICP
Osmotic diuretics (i.e. mannitol)
Dexamethasone (Decadron)
Acute confusion
What is delirium?
Test done to collect CSF for analysis, measure pressure of CSF, or even to inject certain medications
What is lumbar puncture (spinal tap)?
Quick back-and-forth movement of the eye when the patient looks to the furthest point of a direction
What is nystagmus?
Interventions for a patient with a T6 injury displaying signs of autonomic dysreflexia
Check VS (BP elevated)
Elevate HOB to 45 degree angle
NOTIFY PROVIDER STAT!
Evaluate for cause (i.e. distended bladder from blocked catheter, ingrown toe nail)
Makes up the central nervous system (CNS)
What is brain and spinal cord?
Test done to visualize the structure of the cerebral arteries -- looking for abnormalities such as strictures, aneurysms, thrombus.
What is cerebral angiography?
Vital sign changes that may indicate an increase in ICP
What are rise in SBP -- widening pulse pressure; slow bounding pulse; irregular breathing
***Earliest sign of increasing ICP -- change in LOC***
Data collection after spinal surgery
What is sensation, movement, muscle strength.
Also monitor surgical site, pain, pressure points