Nervous System Basics
What are the two main parts of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
Brain and spinal cord.
What is cerebral edema?
Swelling of the brain.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score range for a mild head injury?
13-15.
What is a cerebral aneurysm?
: A weakening in the wall of a cerebral artery.
How should the head of the bed be positioned for a client with increased ICP?
Elevated 30°-45° with the neck straight
Name the three divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System.
Sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric.
Name one type of cerebral edema.
Vasogenic, cellular/cytotoxic, interstitial, or osmotic.
What is a subdural hematoma (SDH)?
A collection of blood between the brain and dura.
Name one modifiable risk factor for cerebral aneurysms.
Smoking or hypertension.
What precautions should be taken for a client at risk of seizures?
Padded side rails, low bed position, and seizure precautions.
What does the sympathetic nervous system control?
Fight or flight" response.
What is the most common type of cerebral edema?
Vasogenic.
What is the Monro-Kellie Doctrine?
The cranial vault is a fixed space; if one component (brain, blood, CSF) increases, another must decrease to prevent increased ICP.
What is the most valid diagnostic test for a cerebral aneurysm?
Cerebral angiogram.
What should you do if a client with cerebral edema shows signs of worsening ICP?
Notify the provider immediately and implement rapid response.
What is the role of the Circle of Willis?
Answer: It links blood vessels in the brain to ensure circulation.
What are the three layers of a cerebral artery?
What is Cushing’s Triad?
Widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and irregular respirations.
What is diffuse axonal injury (DAI)?
Widespread neuron damage caused by stretching or tearing during head trauma.
What is a common symptom of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm?
Sudden severe headache.
Name one medication used to manage cerebral edema.
Mannitol, diuretics, glucocorticoids, or anticonvulsants.
What are the three layers of a cerebral artery?
Tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia.
What medication is commonly used to reduce intracranial pressure?
Mannitol.
Name one long-term effect of a head injury.
Memory loss, personality changes, ataxia, anosmia, or aphasia.
What is the purpose of clipping or coiling in aneurysm treatment?
To stop blood flow to the aneurysm and prevent rupture.
What is the priority intervention for a client with a head injury?
Maintain airway and cerebral perfusion.