A&P
What are the two major divisions of the nervous system?
Central and peripheral
What would the nurse suspect of the patient has increased protein in the CSF?
Brain tumor
Name the three components of Cushing's triad
Bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, irregular respirations
Name 3 things a nurse can do to help prevent aspiration is a patient with difficulty swallowing.
chin tucked, no straws, sitting upright at 90 degree angle, thicken liquids as needed.
Symptoms of Bell's palsy are similar to what other neurological condition?
Stroke (CVA)
Which lobe of the brain is involved with language comprehension?
Temporal
What symptom is specific to migraine headaches?
What is the name of the osmotic diuretic used for increasing ICP and describe its action
Mannitol: causes kidneys to release just water and makes the blood more concentrate - draws water from the brain tissue into the vascular space
Name 5 causes of seizures
Infection, rapid hyperthermia, drug use, electrolyte imbalance (Sodium), brain tumors, epilepsy
How can Guillain-Barre become deadly for a patient?
It causes progressive paralysis that eventually can lead to respiratory failure (paralysis of diaphragm and intercostal muscles)
What does a GCS of 8 mean?
Patient is in a coma
What is the difference between primary and secondary headaches?
Secondary: caused by some pathology (tumor, HTN, etc)
What does BEFAST stand for?
Balance
Eyes
Face
Arms
Speech
Time
name the 3 stages of a tonic-clonic seizure
aura
tonic/clonic phase
postictal phase
When does a patient with meningitis need to placed under respiratory isolation?
What are the three layers of the meninges?
Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater
What are the characteristic signs of absence seizures?
"staring off", lip smacking, eye blinking,
what is the time frame that we need to know before TPA is administered
What are the three classic signs of Parkinson's?
rigidity, tremor, bradykinesia
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a brain tumor?
Administer IV antibiotics
What are the 4 types of aphasia?
Sensory, Motor, Global, Anomic
what is the most common risk factor for strokes?
uncontrolled hypertension
what does hemianopsia mean?
loss of half of the visual field
What are the characteristics of the three stages of Alzheimer's?
Early: mild memory lapses
Middle: confusion about place, changes in sleep
Late: Trouble communicating, difficulty with walking, difficulty with swallowin
How can a nurse prevent autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with a SCI?
ensure patent urinary catheter, start bowel regimen, no tight/restrictive clothing, no wrinkles in bed sheets, no pressure on lower limbs