Seizures
Some patients experience this that warns that a seizure is about to occur. Can be a visual distortion, a noxious odor, or an unusual sound. Patients who have this may have enough time to sit or lie down before the seizure starts to minimize the risk of injury
What is an aura.
A migraine may or may not involve this. This could be a vision change or tingling, that precedes an attack.
What is an aura
What comes first? Decorticate or decerebrate posturing?
Decorticate
What will the blood pressure look like for a patient who has increased intracranial pressure?
What is high blood pressure
What does the walking of a patient with Parkinson's look like?
Shuffling gait. Monitor for safety
Common signs of a partial seizures
What is repetitive, purposeless behaviors. Patient appears in a dreamlike state while picking at clothing, chewing, or smacking lips. Pts are not aware of their behavior.
What are some possible triggers of a migraine?
What is stress, hormones (menses-related), not eating, changes in barometric pressure, sleep disturbances, odors, neck pain, bright light and alcohol
Signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure
What is vomiting, headache, dilated pupil on affected side, hemiparesis or hemiplegia, decorticate then decerebrate posturing, decreased LOC, increased systolic blood pressure, increasing then decreasing pulse rate, rising temperature
What are two examples of benzodiazepines used for seizures
What is lorazepam and diazepam (Given to stop a seizure that has not resolved within 5 minutes. Given via IM or IV push route
What is the most common complication of Parkinson's disease
What is acute complications with mobility and balance.
Primary focus after a seizure
Maintain safety, maintain a patent airway
What are some interventions for a patient whose having a migraine?
Provide a dark, quiet environment. Give NSAIDS
Measures to prevent increased intracranial pressure
What is keep head of bed elevated 30 degrees, avoid flexing the neck, keep head and neck in midline, administer antiemetics and antitussives as necessary to prevent coughing and vomiting, minimize suctioning, administer stool softeners, avoid hip flexion, prevent unnecessary noise and startling the patient and space care activities to provide rest between each disturbance
Class of medications given for emergency use of seizures
What is benzodiazepines
What is resting tremor, pill-rolling tremor, muscular rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movements) changes in posture
Period after a seizure where patients may sleep deeply for 30 minutes to several hours, with following deep sleep, patient may report headache, confusion and fatigue.
What is postictal period after a seizure
Nursing interventions for migraines
Assist the pt to identify and reduce aggravating factors, keep a headache diary, encourage alleviating techniques such as warm or cold compresses, stress reduction, relaxation exercises, provide a dark room and rest, teach about medications
What is seizure precautions
What is pad side rails of hospital bed with commercial pads or bath blankets folded over and pinned in place, keep call light within reach, assist the patient with ambulating, keep suction and oral airway at bedside
What does decorticate posturing signal?
Significant impairment of cerebral functioning
Medication for Parkinson's that should be taken before food and must be taken around the clock to control symptoms
Type of seizure that typically has an aura or loss of consciousness, with rigidity, pupils are fixed and dilated, hands and jaws are clenched, and the patient temporarily stops breathing
What is tonic-clonic seizures
Migraines are more common in males or females?
Females
What is the nursing care during a seizure
What is stay with the patient, do not restrain the patient, protect from injury by move nearby objects, loosen tight clothing, turn to side to prevent occlusion of airway or aspiration, suction if needed, monitor vital signs, be prepared to assist with breathing if necessary
This type of memory is most commonly affected first
What is recent memories are usually affected first.
What is the brain no longer able to direct in Parkinson's?
What is muscles to perform in the usual manner. This lack of communication can profoundly impact the patient's ability to ambulate safely, complete ADL's and job functions.