This part of the nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord and is responsible for processing information and coordinating responses
The Central Nervous System
Cranial Nerve I is responsible for what sense
Smell
This neurological emergency occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a clot or bleeding.
Stroke
A nurse is assessing a patient following a left- sided stroke and notices the patient has lost the ability to understand or produce speech. What possible side effect of stroke would this be?
Global Aphasia
Nurses commonly elevate the head of the bed to this angle to help reduce intracranial pressure.
The system controls voluntary movement such as walking, touching, and other conscious actions
This cranial nerve controls hearing and balance
Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
This progressive neurodegenerative disease causes memory loss and cognitive decline.
During a neurological exam, the nurse strokes the lateral sole of the foot and observes extension of the big toe. In adults, this indicates this abnormal reflex.
Positive Babinski sign
This osmotic diuretic is used to decrease intracranial pressure by drawing fluid away from brain tissue.
This structure transmits motor commands from the brain to the body and relays sensory information back to the brain
Spinal Cord
Damage to this cranial nerve may cause facial drooping and loss of facial expression
Facial Nerve
Tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia are hallmark symptoms of this disorder caused by dopamine neuron degeneration.
Parkinson's Disease
A nurse notices a patient is difficult to arouse but responds purposefully to painful stimuli. The nurse should recognize this patient is in what state of consciousness?
Stupor
A patient arrives within 20 minutes of sudden-onset unilateral weakness and slurred speech. What should be done to rapidly rule out hemorrhage before administering thrombolytics.
CT scan
These specialized cells transmit electrical signals throughout the body and allow functions such as breathing, movement, and cognition.
Neurons
This cranial nerve controls tongue movement
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
This autoimmune disorder damages the myelin sheath in the central nervous system and disrupts nerve conduction.
Multiple Sclerosis
This triad of symptoms includes bradycardia, hypertension, and braydpnea
Cushing's Triad
During assessment, a patient with a head injury has a GCS score of 7 and cannot maintain their airway. This intervention should be anticipated.
endotracheal intubation for airway protection
This division of the peripheral nervous system regulates involuntary processes like heart rate and breathing
Autonomic Nervous System
This cranial nerve plays a major role in parasympathetic control of heart rate and digestion.
This medication may be given in an acute ischemic stroke to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA)
A nurse is assessing a patient with a traumatic brain injury when they suddenly become restless and confused. What could this be an early sign of?
Increased intracranial pressure
A patient has sudden severe headache described as “the worst of their life.” CT is negative, but suspicion remains high for subarachnoid hemorrhage. What would the next step be?
Lumbar puncture