Med Surg Mod 4 Exam

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the primary function of the myelin sheath that surrounds the axon of a neuron?

  • To provide structural support and maintain axon shape.
  • To increase the speed of electrical signal transmission. (correct)
  • To synthesize neurotransmitters for nerve impulse propagation.
  • To facilitate the exchange of nutrients and waste products.

Which of the following accurately describes the role of the thalamus within the diencephalon?

  • Filtering sensory information before it reaches the cerebral cortex. (correct)
  • Coordinating muscle movements and maintaining balance.
  • Producing hormones that control growth and metabolism.
  • Regulating body temperature and circadian rhythms.

A patient exhibits paralysis in the lower extremities but retains full motor function in the upper body. Which spinal nerve region is most likely affected?

  • Cervical
  • Thoracic
  • Lumbar (correct)
  • Sacral

Which of the following is the most accurate description of the withdrawal reflex?

<p>An involuntary, automatic response to a painful stimulus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports difficulty understanding spoken language following a stroke. Which area of the brain is most likely affected?

<p>Wernicke's area (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for transmitting both taste sensation from the posterior third of the tongue and providing parasympathetic innervation to the parotid salivary gland?

<p>Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a stressful situation, which physiological response is primarily mediated by the sympathetic nervous system?

<p>Dilation of the pupils (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores indicates a moderate head injury?

<p>9-12 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key finding in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would strongly suggest bacterial meningitis rather than viral meningitis?

<p>Turbid or cloudy appearance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with suspected meningitis exhibits pain and spasm of the hamstring when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees and the knee is extended. This finding is indicative of which sign?

<p>Kernig's sign (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most common cause of encephalitis?

<p>Viral infection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with encephalitis develops edema and necrosis in the temporal lobes. This complication poses the greatest risk for:

<p>Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nursing interventions is most important for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

<p>Maintaining the head and neck in a neutral alignment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of a migraine headache might a patient experience visual disturbances such as seeing flashing lights or zigzag patterns?

<p>Aura phase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the assessment of a patient experiencing a headache, which question from the nurse best utilizes the 'WHATS UP' mnemonic to gather comprehensive data?

<p>&quot;Is the pain located in one specific area, or does it radiate?&quot; (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Automatisms, such as lip smacking or chewing motions, are a classic symptom of which type of seizure?

<p>Complex partial seizure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient who experienced a tonic-clonic seizure is in the postictal phase. Which nursing intervention is most important?

<p>Monitoring neurological signs and preventing injury. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Decerebrate posturing, characterized by extension of the arms and legs, indicates damage to which part of the brain?

<p>Brainstem (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary goal when managing a patient with a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

<p>Maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion pressure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a subdural hematoma exhibits one-sided paralysis of extraocular eye movement, extremity weakness, and decreasing level of consciousness. These findings are most directly related to:

<p>Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is correct regarding primary brain tumors?

<p>They rarely metastasize outside the central nervous system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most common initial symptom associated with brain tumors?

<p>Fatigue (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After intracranial surgery for tumor removal, a patient develops a clear fluid leak from the incision site. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action?

<p>Monitor for blood-tinged center with yellow ring and report to the health care provider. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a herniated lumbar disc reports bowel and bladder incontinence. Which action should the nurse take first?

<p>Notify the health care provider immediately. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of logrolling a patient following spinal surgery?

<p>To prevent injury to the operative site and maintain spinal alignment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a spinal cord injury above the T6 level develops a sudden onset of severe headache, hypertension, and bradycardia. Which complication is most likely occurring?

<p>Autonomic dysreflexia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is a priority for a patient experiencing autonomic dysreflexia?

<p>Raising the head of the bed and assessing for bladder distention. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the C4 level is at high risk for:

<p>Impaired respiration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is important to remember about dementia?

<p>It is a symptom of another neurocognitive disorder. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Stress, pain, and electrolyte imbalances are all potential etiologies for which of the following conditions?

<p>Delirium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of Parkinson's disease?

<p>Imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assessment finding is most indicative of Huntington's disease?

<p>Choreiform movements (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of nursing care for a patient with Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Maintaining a safe environment and maximizing function. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and a stroke (CVA)?

<p>A TIA causes temporary neurological deficits, while a stroke causes permanent damage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The acronym FAST is used to help people remember the warning signs of stroke. What does the 'F' in FAST stand for?

<p>Facial drooping (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is admitted with expressive aphasia following a stroke. What does this condition primarily affect?

<p>The ability to produce coherent speech. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST important therapeutic measure for a patient experiencing an acute ischemic stroke?

<p>Administering thrombolytic therapy (tPA). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In multiple sclerosis (MS), what process leads to the disruption of nerve impulse transmission?

<p>Demyelination and scar tissue formation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with myasthenia gravis (MG) experiences sudden muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and dysphagia. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

<p>Myasthenic crisis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is experiencing increasing difficulty communicating. Which intervention is MOST important to include in the plan of care?

<p>Facilitating alternative methods of communication. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?

<p>Ascending muscle weakness and paralysis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports sudden, intense, and recurring pain in the cheek and jaw that is triggered by touch or chewing. Which condition is most likely present?

<p>Trigeminal neuralgia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is affected in Bell's palsy, leading to unilateral facial paralysis?

<p>Facial nerve (VII) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is diagnosed with presbyopia. What change in vision should the nurse expect the patient to report?

<p>Decreased ability to focus on near objects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using the Snellen chart?

<p>To test visual acuity at a distance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with conjunctival redness, crusty exudate, and itching in both eyes. Which condition is most likely?

<p>Conjunctivitis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When shining a light into a patient's right pupil, the left pupil also constricts. What is this response called?

<p>Consensual response (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a spinal injury arrives in the emergency department. Which action should the nurse avoid until the spine is cleared?

<p>Moving the patient. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of expressive aphasia?

<p>Difficulty in verbally communicating (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When caring for a patient with expressive aphasia, which approach is most appropriate regarding closed-ended questions?

<p>Avoid yes/no questions as the patient may answer regardless of the truth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with expressive aphasia substitutes the word 'sky' for 'dish'. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

<p>Correct the substitution and continue the conversation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with expressive aphasia becomes restless. What initial nursing intervention is most appropriate?

<p>Ask if the patient is in pain or wants to return to bed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of receptive aphasia?

<p>Impaired ability to understand spoken language. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial consideration when providing care to a patient with receptive aphasia?

<p>Assume they cannot understand or follow safety instructions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before performing an otic irrigation, what is the nurse's priority assessment?

<p>Examine the tympanic membrane for intactness. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has difficulty swallowing. What equipment should the nurse ensure is available at the bedside?

<p>Suction equipment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a neurological assessment using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), a patient opens their eyes spontaneously. What score should the nurse assign for this?

<p>4 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a C6 spinal cord injury is showing signs of autonomic dysreflexia. What is the priority nursing action?

<p>Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke?

<p>Age (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within what timeframe after the onset of stroke symptoms should tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) ideally be administered?

<p>Within 3-4.5 hours (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What finding indicates a positive Romberg's test?

<p>The patient sways or leans to one side. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an early sign that could indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

<p>A change in mood or attention level (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a tonic-clonic seizure, which assessment is crucial for the nurse to document?

<p>Muscle activity, progression, and duration of the seizure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a warning sign of a possible stroke?

<p>Weakness or numbness on one side of the body (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A stroke patient laughs when told a sad story. What is the most likely cause of this behavior?

<p>Pseudo-bulbar affect (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of nystagmus?

<p>Cyclical involuntary rapid eye movements (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) reports a severe and worsening headache. What is the nurse's priority action?

<p>Contacting the health care provider (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nurse observes blood-tinged drainage with a yellowish ring around it on the dressing of a patient who had intracranial surgery. What should the nurse do?

<p>Immediately contact the health care provider (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is often an early sign of Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Forgetfulness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When caring for a patient at risk for aspiration, which nursing intervention is most important?

<p>Raising the head of the bed, especially during meals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a strategy when feeding a patient who has difficulty swallowing?

<p>Avoid straws. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In patients with macular degeneration, what is the most common initial finding?

<p>Black spot appears in the center of the visual field (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is exhibiting signs and symptoms of Cushing's Triad. Which vital sign changes would the nurse expect to see?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention can a nurse implement to help prevent complications in patients who have had a recent exacerbation of a chronic condition?

<p>Both A and B (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient experiencing a recent Bell's palsy exacerbation is likely to be prescribed which medication?

<p>Prednisone: this is a corticosteroid that reduces nerve tissue and edema. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What medication is often prescribed post TIA to prevent the patient from having a future stroke?

<p>Anti-platelet medications (Clopidogrel) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important education as the nurse, to provide to your patients to prevent continuing vision loss?

<p>Take medication as ordered by the HCP to prevent or reduce the risk of vision loss (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex involves constriction of the contralateral pupil when light is shone into one eye?

<p>Consensual light reflex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for difficulty in verbally communicating or the inability to communicate with others?

<p>Aphasia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate nursing intervention when a patient with expressive aphasia substitutes incorrect words?

<p>Correcting the substitution and continuing the conversation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a spinal cord injury at C6 exhibits signs of autonomic dysreflexia. What is a priority nursing intervention?

<p>Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke?

<p>Age (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking care of patient who is showing a severe headache should do what?

<p>Contact the HCP IMMEDIATELY (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an early sign of Alzheimer's disease?

<p>Forgetfulness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When trying to prevent aspiration, what are some interventions should the nurse take.

<p>Raise the patients HOB higher, especially during meals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a patient has a black spot in their visual field they most likely have?

<p>Macular Degeneration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client diagnosed with Bell's Palsy regarding medication therapy. Which of the following medications should the nurse include in the teaching?

<p>Prednisone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and Spinal Cord

Afferent Neuron

Sensory Neuron

Efferent Neuron

Motor Neuron

Dendrites

Receives signals from other neurons

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Myelin Sheath

Encases axons, insulates

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Neurofibril Nodes

Gaps in myelin sheath; aid nerve conduction

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Synaptic Knob

End of axon terminal

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Nerve Impulses

Action potential; change in electrical signal

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Synapse

Allows impulse transmission to become chemically

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Spinal Cord Reflex

Fast, involuntary, automatic response

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CSF

Circulates in subarachnoid space

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White Matter

Abundance of myelin; carries impulses

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Gray Matter

Lack of myelin; motor neurons and interneurons reside

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Meninges

3 layers of connective tissue that covers CNS

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Frontal Lobe

Voluntary movement, initiative, emotion, reasoning

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Temporal Lobe

Sensory areas, hearing, visual recognition

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Parietal Lobe

Receives, perceives, interprets somatic senses

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Thalamus

Filters sensory input

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Midbrain

Regulates visual, auditory, and righting reflexes

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Medulla Oblongata

Regulates vital life functions

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Cerebellum

Involuntary coordination/movement

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Olfactory Nerve (I)

Sense of smell

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Optic Nerve (II)

Sense of sight

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Sympathetic Nervous System

Dominant in stressful situations

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Parasympathetic Nervous System

Dominant when relaxed, promotes normal function

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Decorticate Posture

Flexion at elbow, legs extended (cerebral impairment)

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Decerebrate Posture

Arms/legs extended, arms internally rotated (brainstem damage)

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Encephalitis

Inflammation of brain tissue

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Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

Pressure inside the cranial cavity

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Migraine Prodrome

Irritability, sleepiness, food cravings before migraine

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Migraine Aura

Visual disturbances, numbness tingling during migraine

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Automatisms

Repetitive, purposeless behaviors

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Postictal Period

Recovery period after a seizure

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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Any trauma that results in hemorrhage or laceration of brain

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Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Temporary blockage of blood to brain

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Embolic Stroke

Clot travels and lodges in brain artery

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Aphasia

Loss of ability to understand or express speech

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Motor Disturbances (Stroke)

Paralysis, weakness, numbness in limb

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Nystagmus

Rapid eye movement

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Arcus Senilis

Opaque whitening of outer rim of cornea

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Consensual Response

The left pupil constricts when light shines into the right pupil.

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Spinal Injury: Initial Action

Do not move the patient until cleared by a healthcare provider (HCP).

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Expressive Aphasia

Difficulty or inability to verbally communicate.

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Bedside Equipment

Always have suction at bedside due to risk of choking on secretions.

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Otic Irrigation: Priority

Examine the tympanic membrane.

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Glasgow Coma Scale: Spontaneous Eye Opening

Patient spontaneously opens eyes.

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Autonomic Dysreflexia: Priority

Place the patient in high Fowler's position.

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Stroke: Non-modifiable Risk Factors

Age and Gender.

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TPA Administration Timeframe

3-4.5 hours of symptom onset.

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Positive Romberg's Test

Patient sways or leans to one side.

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Early Sign of Increased ICP

A change in mood or attention level.

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Seizure Assessment by Nurse

Observe muscle activity during the seizure; note progression and duration.

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Warning Signs of Stroke

Weakness, numbness, facial drooping, confusion, trouble speaking, severe headache.

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Pseudo-bulbar Affect

Emotional response mismatched to situation; explain emotional lability.

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Increased ICP with Headache: Nursing Action

Contact the HCP immediately.

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Post-Intracranial Surgery: Blood-tinged Drainage

Contact the HCP immediately; indication of CSF leak.

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Early Alzheimer's Sign

Forgetfulness.

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Prevent Aspiration

Raise HOB, have patient swallow multiple times, avoid straws, place food on unaffected side.

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Cushing's Triad

Increased systolic BP, decreased heart rate, and irregular respirations.

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Preventing Complications Post Exacerbation

Encourage mobility and deep breathing (incentive spirometer).

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Bell's Palsy Medication

Prednisone: a corticosteroid to reduce nerve tissue and edema.

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Medication Post TIA

Anti-platelet medications (e.g., Clopidogrel).

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Vision Loss Prevention Education

Take medication as ordered by the HCP to prevent or reduce vision loss.

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Macular Degeneration Sign

Black spot appears in the center of the visual field

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Receptive Aphasia

Difficulty understanding spoken language.

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Glasgow Coma Scale

A rating of the patient's level of consciousness.

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Study Notes

Pupil Response

  • Consensual Response is when the left pupil constricts upon shining light into the right pupil

Spinal Injury Care

  • In the ER, do not move a patient who arrives with a spinal injury until the spine clears with HCP

Expressive Aphasia

  • Expressive aphasia involves difficulty communicating or inability to communicate verbally
  • Patients can speak in sentences but substitute words inappropriately
  • Avoid asking yes/no questions like "Are you Mrs. Gonzales?" because answers might not be accurate
  • Check the patient's wrist band to verify information, instead ask patient to state name
  • Correct substituted words and continue the conversation
  • Restlessness could mean patient is in pain; if patient is sitting, ask if they want to return to bed
  • Stroke patients may experience expressive aphasia

Receptive Aphasia

  • Receptive Aphasia affects the ability to understand spoken language
  • The nurse should assume the patient cannot understand or follow safety instructions, and patient is high fall risk

Otic Irrigation

  • Before performing otic irrigation, examine the tympanic membrane to ensure it is intact

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

  • ALS patients may have difficulty swallowing
  • Have suction equipment at bedside because of risk of choking on secretions

Glasgow Coma Scale - Eye Opening

  • A patient who opens their eyes spontaneously receives the highest score for eye opening

Autonomic Dysreflexia

  • For a patient with C6 injury showing signs of autonomic dysreflexia, place the patient in high Fowler's position immediately

Stroke Risk Factors and Treatment

  • Non-modifiable stroke risk factors include age and gender
  • Administer TPA within 3-4.5 hours of symptom onset

Romberg's Test

  • A positive Romberg's test is indicated if the patient sways or leans to one side while testing balance

Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

  • A change in mood or attention level is a common first sign of ICP

Seizure Assessment

  • It is important determine what part of the body was first involved, progression, and length of time the seizure lasted to assess a gran mal seizure

Stroke Warning Signs

  • Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, facial drooping, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, and sudden severe headaches

Pseudo-Bulbar Affect

  • Pseudo-bulbar affect can manifest as emotional liability of crying with no relationship to the patient situation
  • Explain to the family a recent stroke patient responds inappropriately by laughing while being told a sad story or crying while telling a happen story

Nystagmus

  • Cyclical involuntary rapid eye movements

Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

  • Contact the HCP immediately especially when the patient is experiencing a severe and intensifying headache

Post-Intracranial Surgery

  • Blood-tinged drainage with a yellowish ring around it while checking on a patient who recently had intracranial surgery is a sign of a Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) leak and a medical emergency, contact the HCP

Alzheimer's Disease

  • Forgetfulness is an early sign of Alzheimer's disease

Aspiration Interventions

  • Raise the patients HOB higher, especially during meals
  • Have the patient swallow multiple times
  • Avoid straws
  • Have the patient place the food on the unaffected side of the mouth

Macular Degeneration

  • Black spot appears in the center of the visual field is the most common sign for macular degeneration

Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

  • Increased Systolic BP while diastolic pressure remains about the same, "Cushing's Triad"

Disease Exacerbation/Hospitalization

  • Encourage mobility and deep breathing (use of an incentive spirometer) to prevent complications

Bell's Palsy Exacerbation

  • Prednisone (a corticosteroid that reduces nerve tissue and edema) is a medication to expect prescribed when the patient has had a recent Bell's palsy exacerbatiom

Post-TIA

  • Anti-platelet medications (Clopidogrel) are often prescribed to prevent future strokes

Vision Loss Prevention

  • Take medication as ordered by the HCP to prevent or reduce the risk of vision loss

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