Nervous System
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body. It is divided into two main parts
What is
central nervous system (CNS)
peripheral nervous system (PNS).
NAs can help their residents with nervous system and related conditions
What is
Suggesting residents make lists or write notes about things they want to remember
Placing a calendar where the resident can see it
Taking an interest in residents’ past by asking to see photos or hear stories
Allowing time for decision-making and avoiding sudden changes in schedule
Allowing plenty of time for movement
Encouraging reading, thinking, and other mental activities
NAs should know these facts about CVA:
What is
CVA occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel leaks or ruptures within the brain.
Results in lack of oxygen to tissues, causing cells to die.
Swelling, leaking blood, and clots affect surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Weakness occurs opposite affected side of brain.
Mild stroke may result in few, if any, complications.
It is a progressive, degenerative disease
Causes stiff muscles, stooped posture, shuffling gait, pill-rolling, tremors, and mask-like facial expression
Tremors can make ADLs difficult
What is
Parkinson’s disease
Other issues that MS may cause if not discussed already
What is
MS can cause blindness, contractures, and loss of function in arms and legs
Central Nervous System (CNS) is composed of the following
What is
The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal cord.
The brain is the control center of the body, responsible for processing sensory information, initiating voluntary movements, regulating bodily functions, and more.
The spinal cord is a long, tubular structure that runs from the base of the brain down through the vertebral column. It serves as a pathway for nerve impulses to travel between the brain and the rest of the body.
It is important to observe for and report the following
What is
Fatigue or pain with movement
Shaking or trembling
Inability to move one side of body
Difficulty speaking or slurring of speech
Numbness or tingling
Disturbance or change in vision or hearing
Dizziness or loss of balance
The following are examples of what
Assist with ROM exercises or leg exercises to improve circulation as ordered, keeping safety in mind.
Use terms weaker or involved to refer to the affected side, not bad.
Assist with speech therapy as needed.
Use verbal and nonverbal communication to express a positive attitude.
Residents may experience confusion, memory loss, and heightened emotions. Be patient and understanding.
Encourage independence and self-esteem.
Always check on resident’s body alignment.
Pay special attention to skin care.
If residents have lost sense of touch or sensation, be aware of potentially harmful situations, such as proximity to heat and sharp objects.
Adapt procedures when caring for residents with one-sided paralysis or weakness.
What is
how to care for a resident who has had a CVA
Care Guidelines for Parkinson’s Disease
What is
Protect residents from falls.
Help with ADLs as needed.
Assist with ROM exercises as ordered.
Observe for any swallowing problems and report them to the nurse.
Encourage self-care and be pa
Below are examples of
Assist with ADLs,
Be patient with self-care and movement. Allow time for tasks. Offer rest periods.
Give resident time to communicate.
Prevent falls.
Help avoid stressful situations. Listen to residents.
Symptoms of MS can change daily, Adapt care to symptoms reported.
Encourage a healthy diet with plenty of fluids.
Give regular skin care.
Assist with ROM exercises.
What is Care Guidelines for Multiple Sclerosis
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is composed of the following
What is
The PNS includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
It is further divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information to the CNS.
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration.
Other changes not mentioned that CNA need to report
What is
Changes in eating or fluid intake
Difficulty swallowing
Bowel or bladder changes
Depression or mood changes
Memory loss or confusion
Violent behavior
Unusual or unexplained change in behavior
Decreased ability to perform ADLs
Care Guidelines for CVA
For transfers
What is
Always use a transfer belt.
Stand on and support the weaker side.
Lead with stronger side
The disease multiple sclerosis (MS)
What is
MS is a progressive disease affecting the central nervous system.
Protective sheath breaks down over time and nerves cannot send messages properly.
The following are examples of
paraplegia-loss of function of lower body and legs.
quadriplegia-loss of function of legs, trunk, and arms.
What is spinal cord in injury
The jobs of the nervous system
What is
Control and message center of body
Controls and coordinates all body functions
Senses information from outside the body
Two main parts: central nervous system (brain) and peripheral nervous system (nerves)
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which are common disorders of the nervous system, T or F
What is
T=True
Care Guidelines for CVA
For assisting with dressing
What is
Dress weaker side first.
Undress stronger side first.
Use assistive equipment to help resident dress himself.
With MS residents will have the same abilities (T or False)
What is F = False
Residents will have varying abilities
NAs should know these facts about head and spinal cord injuries
What is
May result from diving, sports injuries, falls, car and motorcycle accidents, industrial accidents, war, and criminal violence
Can cause permanent brain damage, intellectual disability, personality changes, trouble breathing, seizures, coma, memory loss, loss of consciousness, paresis, paralysis
Effects of spinal cord injuries depend on force of impact and where spine is injured.
May cause paraplegia or quadriplegia
Rehabilitation is needed.
Emotional support is important.
Normal changes of aging to the nervous system include the following
What is
Slower responses and reflexes
Decrease in sensitivity of nerve endings in skin
Some memory loss, more often with short-term memory
REMEMBER
the difference between signs and symptoms
What is
Signs are what the NA actually sees, hears, feels, or smells.
Symptoms are not directly seen by the NA, but are reported by the resident who experiences them.
Care Guidelines for CVA
For assisting with eating
What is
Place food in the resident’s field of vision.
Use assistive devices.
Watch for signs of choking.
Serve soft foods if swallowing is difficult.
Always place food in the unaffected side of mouth. Make sure food is swallowed.
Residents with MS may have symptoms such as
What is
Symptoms can include blurred vision, fatigue, tremors, poor balance, trouble walking, weakness, numbness, tingling, incontinence, and behavior changes.
Care Guidelines for Head and Spinal Cord Injuries
What is
Give emotional support, as well as physical help.
Prevent falls and burns.
Be patient with self-care.
Give careful skin care to prevent pressure injuries.
Assist with position changes at least every two hours.
Perform ROM exercises as ordered.
Encourage fluids and a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation.
Give extra catheter care as needed.
Offer rest periods as needed for fatigue. Use special stockings as ordered to aid circulation.
Encourage deep breathing exercises as ordered.
Provide for privacy if involuntary erections occur.
Assist with bowel and bladder training.