Brain Tumors & Procedures
Replacement of the skull flap after craniectomy is called this procedure.
What is cranioplasty?
This seizure type involves impaired awareness and automatisms such as lip smacking.
What is a focal impaired-awareness seizure?
This is the primary purpose of a lumbar drain.
What is draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to reduce intracranial pressure or divert CSF?
Patients are instructed to avoid this action because it increases intracranial pressure and risk of CSF leak.
What is blowing their nose?
A post-op craniotomy patient becomes hypertensive and bradycardic with irregular respirations. These findings suggest this condition.
What is increased intracranial pressure
During a tonic-clonic seizure, this phase is characterized by rhythmic jerking movements.
What is the clonic phase?
This change in CSF appearance should be reported immediately.
What is cloudy, bloody, or purulent CSF?
This endocrine disorder can occur after pituitary surgery and causes excessive urination.
What is Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
A patient with a cerebellar tumor is MOST likely to have which symptoms?
What is ataxia, impaired coordination, and severe balance issues.
Continuous seizure activity without return to baseline consciousness between events defines this condition.
What is status epilepticus?
This serious complication can result from rapid lumbar drain overdrainage. The first warning sign is a headache. What is the complication and what should the nurse do FIRST?
What is subdural hematoma?
The nurse should clamp the drain and lower the HOB
Name the 3 labs most commonly monitored after a transsphenoidal surgery?
1. Serum Na+ & osmolality q6h
2. Urine specific gravity q6h
3. Fasting cortisol