Management of Neurovascular Conditions
41 Questions
4 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What should a senior clinician check immediately if a patient is convulsing?

  • Blood glucose level (correct)
  • Body mass index
  • Blood pressure
  • Respiratory rate

    • Convulsions can be a sign of an underlying infection.

    True

    What phrase summarizes which patients should be transferred to the hospital?

    The First, The Worst or the Longest

    Meningococcal disease is a general term used for bacterial infection of the ________ or infection of the bloodstream.

    <p>meninges</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following conditions with their corresponding description:

    <p>Hypoglycaemia = Low blood sugar that can cause convulsions Status Epilepticus = A dangerous condition characterized by prolonged seizures Serious head injury = Can lead to severe outcomes requiring urgent attention Meningococcal disease = Bacterial infection of the meninges or bloodstream</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the largest cause of disability following a stroke?

    <p>Stroke</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Prompt treatment at a Hyper Acute Stroke Component (HASU) is crucial to save lives and reduce long-term disability.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by a 'positive FAST test'?

    <p>It indicates signs of a stroke.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Patients should remain __________ by mouth to prevent aspirations.

    <p>Nil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is an option for managing a patient with convulsions?

    <p>Assist ventilations if RR &lt; 10 or &gt; 30</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the tendency to have recurrent unprovoked convulsions?

    <p>Epilepsy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Partial convulsions affect a larger part of the cerebral cortex compared to generalized convulsions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Absence seizures are characterized by __________ episodes.

    <p>staring</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the types of convulsions to their descriptions:

    <p>Generalised = Affect a large part of the cerebral cortex Partial = Affect a localized part of the cortex Bilateral tonic-clonic seizures = Body-wide rigidity and may include falling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should caregivers do when transporting a patient who is TIME CRITICAL?

    <p>Transport to the nearest ED</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes status epilepticus?

    <p>Continuous convulsions lasting 5 minutes or longer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A patient may experience the post-ictal phase after losing consciousness during a tonic-clonic convulsion.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might a patient experience during partial convulsions?

    <p>Consciousness alteration or loss, changes in behavior or mood, and localised tonic clonic activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Continuous convulsions lasting five minutes or longer are known as __________.

    <p>status epilepticus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following causes of seizures with their descriptions:

    <p>Hypoxia = Low oxygen supply to the brain Hypoglycaemia = Low blood sugar levels Alcohol = Substance that can lead to seizures Stroke = Interruption of blood supply to the brain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action should you take if the patient is actively convulsing?

    <p>Call for paramedic backup</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All seizures are caused by epilepsy.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary survey tool used to assess a patient's level of consciousness?

    <p>AVPU</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the primary survey, if the patient's airway is blocked, it may be caused by __________.

    <p>trismus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following might NOT be a part of the convulsion assessment?

    <p>Measuring blood pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many patients are estimated to be affected by meningitis per year?

    <p>1200</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A non-blanching rash is always present in patients with meningococcal disease.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    List one of the primary survey assessments for a patient in severe condition.

    <p>Reduced level of response, acute airway difficulties, breathing problems, circulation problems, neurological problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A non-blanching rash suggests __________________ in an unwell patient.

    <p>meningococcal septicaemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following assessment conditions with their corresponding problems:

    <p>R = Reduced level of response A = Acute airway difficulties B = Breathing problems C = Circulation problems D = Neurological problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situation will a patient be considered TIME CRITICAL?

    <p>If they have any major ABCD problems or a non-blanching rash</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Temperature changes and gastrointestinal symptoms are relevant assessments in patients with meningitis.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of rash suggests meningococcal septicaemia?

    <p>Haemorrhagic, non-blanching rash</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What GCS score indicates a patient is in a coma?

    <p>8 or below</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All causes of coma can be identified in every patient.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one possible cause of coma related to a metabolic issue?

    <p>Hypoglycaemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In cases of meningococcal septicaemia, you should transport the patient to hospital as soon as __________.

    <p>practicable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following conditions with their potential causes:

    <p>Stroke = Inadequate airway Meningitis = Overdose Hypoglycaemia = Cardiac arrhythmias Hypothermia = Persistent hyperventilation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a cause of reduced level of consciousness?

    <p>Hypertension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be documented during the assessment of a patient with coma?

    <p>GCS and vital signs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A thorough secondary survey is unnecessary if ABCD problems are present.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Stroke Management

    • 1.9 million neurons are lost every minute during a stroke.
    • Most individuals survive their first stroke; however, it remains the leading cause of disability worldwide.
    • Immediate care at a Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) can significantly save lives and lessen long-term disability risk.

    Time-Critical Conditions

    • A patient is TIME CRITICAL if they exhibit:
      • Major airway, breathing, or circulation problems; transport to the nearest Emergency Department (ED) is essential.
      • Positive FAST test results, necessitating immediate transfer to HASU.

    Stroke Management Options

    • Focus on airway protection and assist ventilation if respiratory rate is abnormal (<10 or >30 breaths per minute).
    • Administer oxygen therapy only when SpO₂ is below 94%.
    • Position patient comfortably and maintain nil by mouth status.
    • Provide reassurance and inform relatives about transport details.

    Convulsions Overview

    • Convulsions involve involuntary muscle contractions and can result in altered consciousness.
    • They are often linked with various serious conditions and require prompt assessment.

    Epilepsy Information

    • Defined as recurrent unprovoked convulsions; exact causes remain under study.
    • Many patients manage symptoms effectively with medication, while others face difficulties.
    • It can impede cognitive development, especially in children.

    Types of Convulsions

    • Generalised convulsions affect a large portion of the cerebral cortex.
    • Partial convulsions are localized but can evolve into generalized seizures.

    Generalised Convulsions

    • Absences: short episodes characterized by daydreaming or staring, typically lasting a few seconds.
    • Bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (BTCS): involve a tonic (rigid) phase followed by clonic (jerking) movements, with loss of consciousness and a prolonged recovery phase.

    Partial Convulsions

    • Can be accompanied by various states of consciousness, behavioral changes, or localised tonic-clonic activity.
    • May progress to generalized convulsions.

    Status Epilepticus

    • Continuous seizures lasting more than 5 minutes.
    • Occurrence of three or more seizures in one hour without recovery intervals.

    Causes of Seizures

    • Not all seizures are due to epilepsy. Potential causes include:
      • Hypoxia, hypoglycemia, infections, alcohol, drugs, stroke, arrhythmias, eclampsia, and tumors.

    Convulsion Assessment

    • Assess if a patient is actively convulsing, in a post-ictal phase, or has recovered.
    • Difficulties may arise in assessments while a patient is convulsing.

    Primary Survey Steps

    • Response: Use AVPU scale to determine consciousness level; call for backup if actively convulsing.
    • Airway: Check for trismus or tongue injury; avoid OP airway in convulsing patients.
    • Breathing: Monitor ventilation; use ETCO₂ for assessment and provide supplemental oxygen as needed.
    • Circulation: Assess capillary refill and skin condition; expect tachycardia.
    • Disability: Monitor responsiveness and check for potential hypoglycemia.
    • Expose: Look for injuries, infections, and protect patient dignity.

    Convulsion Management

    • Time-critical conditions include any major ABC issues, serious head injuries, status epilepticus, or signs of infection.
    • Ensure rapid transport to hospital and reassess en route.

    Meningococcal Disease

    • A bacterial infection affecting the meninges or bloodstream, impacting around 1200 patients annually.
    • Evaluate for rashes, especially non-blanching ones indicative of meningococcal septicaemia.

    Coma Overview

    • Characterized by absence of consciousness and defined as GCS of 8 or below.
    • Management is primarily supportive, though some causes may be treatable.

    Possible Causes of Coma

    • Conditions contributing to reduced consciousness include:
      • Stroke, inadequate airway, seizures, hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia, overdose, meningitis, and others.

    Assessment in Coma and Emergencies

    • Conduct comprehensive vital signs assessment, document GCS, evaluate pupils, and perform a thorough secondary survey to identify reversible causes.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    This quiz focuses on the critical aspects of managing neurovascular conditions, particularly strokes. Participants will learn about the importance of timely treatment in reducing disability and saving lives. The quiz covers the function of Hyper Acute Stroke Components and the implications of neuron loss during strokes.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser