Brain tumor
This type of brain tumor arises from glial cells and is often malignant, making it the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults.
What is a glioma (e.g., glioblastoma)?
(Rationale: Gliomas originate from glial cells and can be aggressive, infiltrating surrounding brain tissue.)
This term describes a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, or consciousness.
What is a seizure?
(Rationale: Seizures result from abnormal, excessive neuronal activity and can be caused by epilepsy, head injury, or metabolic disturbances.)
This term describes the pressure exerted by cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and brain tissue inside the skull, which normally ranges from 5 to 15 mmHg in adults.
What is intracranial pressure (ICP)?
(Rationale: ICP reflects the pressure within the cranial vault; elevations can compromise cerebral perfusion.)
This neurodegenerative disorder is caused by degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to impaired motor control.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
(Rationale: Dopamine loss disrupts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory pathways in the basal ganglia, resulting in characteristic motor symptoms.)
This term refers to the brain’s ability to maintain optimal function through regulation of cerebral blood flow, oxygenation, and neuronal activity.
What is intracranial regulation?
(Rationale: Proper intracranial regulation ensures adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain tissue and prevents damage from increased ICP or impaired perfusion.)
A patient presents with new-onset headaches, nausea, vomiting, and changes in personality. These are classic symptoms of this neurological condition.
What is a brain tumor?
(Rationale: Symptoms result from increased intracranial pressure and localized brain tissue disruption.)
A patient experiences a brief lapse in awareness without loss of postural control, often staring blankly for a few seconds. This is known as this type of seizure.
What is an absence seizure (petit mal)?
(Rationale: Absence seizures are brief, usually in children, and involve subtle motor activity or staring episodes.)
A patient develops headache, vomiting, altered level of consciousness, and restlessness. These are early indicators of this neurological condition.
What is increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
(Rationale: Early recognition of ICP elevation is critical to prevent brain herniation.)
A patient presents with tremor at rest, bradykinesia, rigidity, and a shuffling gait. These findings are hallmark symptoms of this condition.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
(Rationale: The cardinal motor signs help differentiate Parkinson’s disease from other movement disorders.)
A patient exhibits confusion, restlessness, headache, and mild pupillary changes. These are early signs of this neurological concern.
What is impaired intracranial regulation or early increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
(Rationale: Early recognition allows interventions to prevent brain herniation or permanent damage.)
The nurse anticipates that a patient suspected of having a brain tumor will undergo this imaging study to identify the tumor’s location and size.
What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain?
(Rationale: MRI provides detailed images of brain tissue, helping with tumor localization and surgical planning.)
The nurse’s priority action when a patient is actively having a generalized tonic-clonic seizure is this.
What is ensuring patient safety, protecting the head, loosening restrictive clothing, and maintaining airway?
(Rationale: Preventing injury and maintaining oxygenation are critical during active seizures.)
A patient exhibits Cushing’s triad: bradycardia, hypertension with widened pulse pressure, and irregular respirations. The nurse recognizes this as a late sign of this condition.
What is severe increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
(Rationale: Cushing’s triad indicates decompensation and impending brain herniation.)
Parkinson’s disease often presents with these non-motor symptoms, which can significantly impact quality of life.
What are depression, constipation, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment?
(Rationale: Non-motor symptoms are common and may precede motor symptoms, requiring holistic patient care.)
The nurse uses this standardized tool to quickly assess a patient’s level of consciousness in cases of impaired intracranial regulation.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
(Rationale: The GCS evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses to monitor neurological status.)
For a patient with a brain tumor experiencing increased intracranial pressure, the nurse’s priority intervention includes this.
What is elevating the head of the bed, monitoring neurological status, and administering prescribed osmotic diuretics (e.g., mannitol)?
(Rationale: These interventions help reduce ICP and prevent secondary brain injury.)
The nurse instructs a patient with epilepsy that to prevent seizure triggers, they should prioritize these three lifestyle measures.
What are adhering to antiepileptic medication regimen, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding alcohol or known seizure triggers?
(Rationale: Medication adherence and trigger avoidance reduce seizure frequency and severity.)
To help reduce elevated ICP, the nurse positions the patient in this way and avoids these actions.
What is keeping the head of the bed elevated 30–45 degrees and avoiding neck flexion, straining, or Valsalva maneuvers?
(Rationale: Proper positioning promotes venous drainage and prevents further ICP elevation.)
The nurse teaches a patient taking levodopa/carbidopa to be aware of these common considerations.
What are taking medication on time, monitoring for dyskinesia, avoiding high-protein meals interfering with absorption, and reporting sudden changes in mobility?
(Rationale: Proper medication adherence and awareness of side effects optimize symptom control and safety.)
To optimize intracranial regulation, the nurse implements these interventions regarding positioning, environmental stimuli, and oxygenation.
What is elevating the head of the bed 30–45 degrees, minimizing noise and light stimulation, and ensuring adequate oxygenation?
(Rationale: These measures help reduce ICP and promote cerebral perfusion.)
After brain tumor resection, the patient develops sudden severe headache, vomiting, and decreased level of consciousness. The nurse recognizes these as signs of this life-threatening complication.
What is increased intracranial pressure (ICP) or postoperative hemorrhage?
(Rationale: Postoperative complications like bleeding or edema can rapidly elevate ICP and require immediate intervention.)
A patient experiences a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes without regaining consciousness. The nurse recognizes this as this neurological emergency.
What is status epilepticus?
(Rationale: Status epilepticus can cause permanent brain damage or death; immediate medical intervention with IV antiepileptics is required.)
The nurse monitors a patient with a ventricular catheter for this purpose.
What is measuring ICP and draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to maintain normal pressure?
(Rationale: Invasive ICP monitoring allows accurate measurement and therapeutic CSF drainage to prevent brain injury.)
A patient with Parkinson’s disease is at high risk for this, due to postural instability and bradykinesia.
What are falls and related injuries?
(Rationale: Fall prevention strategies, assistive devices, and patient education are essential parts of nursing care.)
If intracranial regulation fails, a patient may experience this life-threatening condition, characterized by herniation, brain ischemia, and possible death.
What is brain herniation or severe neurological compromise?
(Rationale: Uncontrolled increases in ICP or loss of autoregulation can lead to herniation, requiring immediate intervention.)