Vision
what causes cataracts?
cloudy or opaque lens which leads to blurry vision
what can cause sensorineural hearing loss?
some type of damage to the hair follicles or auditory nerve- due to excess loud noise, ototoxic medications, etc- this is usually permanent
Headache characterized by a band of tightness around the head
tension-type headche
What types of medications are given during an active seizure to stop the seizure?
benzodiazepines- diazepam, lorazepam, etc
what is the difference between a TIA and a stroke?
a TIA completely resolves within 24 hours while a stroke may have long-term brain damage and symptoms
what causes macular degeneration?
with macular degeneration, the retina is unable to function due to the breakdown of waste products in the eye that block nutrients
what is the cause and symptoms of Menieres disease?
caused by excess endolymphatic fluid in the ear, leads to vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss
cluster headache
Type of seizure characterized by a complete loss of muscle tone
Atonic seizure- patient may drop to the ground
what are the main signs and symptoms of a TIA or stroke?
sudden onset: facial drooping, weakness to one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, balance difficulty,
what causes glaucoma?
increased pressure on optic nerve from increased fluid in the eye
what causes conductive hearing loss?
some type of external ear condition- fluid, excess wax, foreign object in ear canal, ruptured eardrum- these are treatable conditions
headache characterized by unilateral throbbing pain, typically with an aura preceding the actual headache
migraine headache
Most important priorities when caring for a patient with an active seizure
Protect the patient's airway, turn on their side, ensure suction set-up, move objects out of the way, time/document characteristics of the seizure
why is a CT scan done prior to giving thrombolytics in a suspected acute stroke?
Need to rule out a hemorrhagic stroke- if the stroke is hemorrhagic the patient is not a candidate for thrombolytics due to bleeding
what happens with retinal detachment?
the retina is separated from blood vessels which leads to a lack of oxygen to that part of the eye; this is an emergency
what is tinnitus and what are the primary causes?
Important patient teaching for dealing with chronic headaches
identify headache triggers, limit exposure to triggers, reduce stress, improve sleep
Type of seizure characterized by altered awareness- patient may be staring into space
Absence seizure
what is the number one risk factor for TIA or stroke?
hypertension
what home modifications should be made for a patient with vision loss?
keep pathways clear of clutter and objects, keep electrical cords out of the way, adequate lighting, installing grab bars
why are patients with Meniere's disease at an increased risk of falls?
due to vertigo associated with condition
which type of diagnostic testing is the best test to diagnose a seizure disorder?
EEG - measures electrical activity in the brain
what safety considerations should the nurse take when caring for a patient with suspected stroke?
keep NPO until swallow evaluation- due to dysphagia risk and chance of aspiration; initiate bleeding precautions if patient is on thrombolytics or anticoagulants; fall risk- due to possible confusion/weakness/balance difficulties; monitor neuro status and vital signs closely for any acute changes