Applied Pathophysiology: Chapter 10 Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary pathophysiological process responsible for hydrocephalus?

Increased production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Decreased absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Obstruction of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (correct)

All of the above (correct)

Which of the following is a common long-term consequence of hydrocephalus?

Gastrointestinal issues

Cardiovascular disease

Respiratory distress

Motor disability (correct)

What is the main difference between communicating and noncommunicating hydrocephalus?

Communicating hydrocephalus is generally caused by congenital malformations, while noncommunicating hydrocephalus is typically acquired.

Communicating hydrocephalus is generally acquired, while noncommunicating hydrocephalus is typically caused by congenital malformations.

Communicating hydrocephalus involves an obstruction within the subarachnoid space, while noncommunicating hydrocephalus involves an obstruction within the ventricles. (correct)

Communicating hydrocephalus involves an obstruction within the ventricles, while noncommunicating hydrocephalus involves an obstruction within the subarachnoid space.

Which of the following conditions is NOT a common cause of acquired hydrocephalus?

Spina bifida (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a cardinal sign of hydrocephalus in newborns?

Increased head circumference (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does increased intracranial pressure (ICP) affect brain tissue?

Impaired perfusion leading to ischemia and cell death (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of hydrocephalus?

Congenital malformations (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the potential clinical manifestations of hydrocephalus, depending on the age of onset and severity?

Increased head circumference, vomiting, seizures, developmental delays, and motor deficits (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of hydrocephalus in infants?

Difficulty feeding (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sign indicates increased intracranial pressure?

Increased blood pressure (D) Signup and view all the answers

What noninvasive diagnostic technique can be used to assess hydrocephalus?

Head circumference measurement (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment method involves creating a passage for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flow?

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a clinical manifestation of hydrocephalus in older children and adults?

Scalp vein distention (B) Signup and view all the answers

What symptom commonly follows initial tachycardia in the context of increased intracranial pressure?

Bradycardia (D) Signup and view all the answers

What imaging study is used to evaluate the size of ventricles in hydrocephalus?

MRI (A), CT scan (D) Signup and view all the answers

What condition can unresolved hydrocephalus lead to?

Impaired neurologic function (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Applied Pathophysiology: Altered Neuronal Transmission

This lecture series covers chapter 10, focusing on the altered transmission of neural signals.
The content is part of Module 4, which examines clinical models.

Hydrocephalus

Pathophysiology: An imbalance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and reabsorption leads to increased ventricular accumulation of CSF, ventricular enlargement, and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
Long-term consequences: Motor disability and intellectual disability are common long-term outcomes. (approximately 3/4 of children with hydrocephalus)
Classifications:
- Non-communicating: CSF obstruction between ventricles.
- Communicating: Impaired absorption within the subarachnoid space.
Causes:
- Congenital: Affecting more than 50% of cases, including neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida) and abnormalities in the cerebral aqueduct or choroid plexus.
- Acquired: Secondary to other diseases like brain tumors, intraventricular hemorrhage, meningitis, or traumatic injury.

Hydrocephalus Clinical Manifestations

Age-dependent: Manifestations vary depending on age and underlying cause.
Infants: Enlarged head with bulging fontanels, scalp vein distention, difficulty feeding, high-pitched crying.
Older children/adults: Impaired motor and cognitive function, incontinence.
Skull of newborn: Less restrictive, increased head circumference is a cardinal sign. Fontanels and unfused sutures to skull bones.
Signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP):
- Increased blood pressure
- Altered heart rate (Initial tachycardia, followed by bradycardia)
- Headache
- Vomiting (pressure on the vomiting center)
- Decreased level of consciousness (LOC)
- Papilledema

Hydrocephalus Diagnostic Criteria

Noninvasive: Head circumference measurement, transillumination (shining a light through the head to detect fluid buildup).
Imaging studies: CT and MRI scans to assess ventricle size. X-rays to check for skull bone separation.

Hydrocephalus Treatment

Focuses on establishing and maintaining normal CSF volumes and pressure.
Surgical approaches:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunt: Catheter from the ventricle to the peritoneum.
- Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: Opening the floor of the third ventricle to allow free CSF flow to the basal cisterns.

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Description

This quiz explores Chapter 10 of Applied Pathophysiology, focusing on altered neuronal transmission and its implications. It covers key concepts such as hydrocephalus, its classifications, causes, and long-term consequences on neurological function. Test your knowledge on how these factors influence clinical models in Module 4.