400 Exam 6 Flashcards
ϖ Organisms enter the brain in 2 ways
o Through the bloodstream from spreading infections
o Direct invasion through a skull fracture or bullet hole
example of the bloodstream from spreading infections
sinusitis, otitis media, or pneumonia
ϖ Patient who are _____ ______ have increased risk for central nervous system infections
HIV positive
3 major types of central nervous system infections
meningitis
encephalitis
brain abcessess
ϖ Inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungal infections
MENINGITIS
♣ Usually self-limiting and does not require extensive treatment
viral meningitis
treatment of viral meningitis
No ATB
only Tx the symptoms
viral meningitis can be secondary to?
lymphoma
leukemia
HIV
most common cause of viral meningitis
enterovirus
sx of viral meningitis
mild flu-like symptoms
bacteria in the nasopharynx can enter the blood stream during URI and travel to the CSF and brain
o Bacterial (septic meningitis)
what increases the risk for bacterial meningitis
tobacco use viral upper resp infection otitis media mastoiditis lyme disease
bacterial meningitis is a medical _____
emergency
it is important to manage what with bacterial meningitis
fever and headache
where will bacterial meningitis patients usually be at?
ICU
mortality rate with bacterial meningitis is 5-10% within how many hours of diagnosis
24-48 hours
sx of bacterial meningitis
photophobia double vision petechial rash disorientation and memory impairment behavioral manifestations increased ICP N/V Seizures/Coma
= extreme light sensitivity (cause is unknown)
• Photophobia
with purpuric (purple) lesions – striking feature of N. meningitis
• Petechial rash
where does the petechial rash start?
on the trunk then goes to all over body
decreased level of consciousness and focal motor deficits
• Increased ICP –
sx of Increased ICP –
drowsiness
sleepiness
hard to arouse
HA
Frequently occurs in dense populations (colleges, high schools, military instillations)—any areas where people conjugate (together a lot)
ϖ Neisseria meningitidis
– classic signs of meningitis
o Severe Headache and nuchal rigidity
o Viral manifestations much less severe than _____.
bacterial
a stiff and painful neck – attempts at flexion of the neck is difficult because of spasms in the muscles in the neck
Nuchal rigidity =
_____ tends to remain high throughout illness with meningitis
♣ Fever
______ is usually either steady or throbbing and very severe as a result of meningeal irritation
♣ Headache
the inability of the patient to extend the leg when the hip is flexed on the abdomen
(+) Kernig’s sign
when the patients neck is flexed (after ruling out cervical trauma or injury), flexion of the knees and hips is produced; more sensitive indicator of meningeal irritation than Kernig’s
(+) Brudzinski’s sign
diagnostic tests for meningitis
CT/MRI
CSF studies
Spinal Tap
♣ CSF studies indicate
low glucose, high protein levels, and high WBC count
o Researchers have developed a bedside risk score for unfavorable outcomes (poorer the prognosis)
(What makes meningitis have a poorer prognosis)
♣ Older age ♣ Heart rate greater than 120 ♣ Low Glasgow coma score ♣ Cranial nerve palsies ♣ Positive gram stain 1 hour after presentation to the hospital
ϖ Prevention is key for meningitis
meningococcal conjugated vaccine given to high school students and college students
o People living in close contact with patients with meningitis should be treated how?
prophylactically usually with some type of antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis.
when are people no longer contagious with meningitis
Antibiotics for 24 hours
ATB should be given within ___ hours of meningitis
24 hours.
within 30 min in the hospital
what type of isolation with meningitis?
droplet precautions!!
airborne precautions
what type of room with meningitis?
reverse isolation
respiratory isolation room
medication for meningitis
Penicillin G
cephalosporins
Dexamethasone
which 2 meds are administered together within 30 min of hospital arrival for meningitis patients?
Penicillin G
Cephalosporins
decreases inflammation
steroid due to ICP
dexamethasone
when is dexamethasone given for meningitis?
♣ Administered 15-20 minutes before the first dose of antibiotic and every 6 hours for the next 4 days
meningitis patients may have hydrocephalus which makes them need a ?
SHUNT
what type of precautions for meningitis?
seizure
how to prevent seizures?
padded side rails Never force anything in someone’s mouth is clench Head of bed up Side lying position Pad with towels, no pillows!!
what med to prevent seizure precautions?
phenytoin
how often to assess neuro and VS for meningitis?
q 2 hrs
what type of environment with meningitis?
private, quiet, dark room
ϖ An acute infection of the brain parenchyma (nervous tissue found in the brain) and meninges caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi
Herpes Simplex Virus encephalitis
o Local hemorrhage within the brain that becomes more generalized followed by edema and deterioration of nerve cell bodies
Herpes Simplex Virus encephalitis
o Once hemorrhage starts with Herpes Simplex Virus encephalitis, experience edema that leads to???
increased ICP
sx of Herpes Simplex Virus encephalitis
Fever, headache, stiffness in neck (not as severe as meningitis), increased ICP, seizures, decrease LOC, lethargy, coma, dysphagia, hemiparesis, skin lesions
nerve tissue are affected with Herpes Simplex Virus encephalitis that cause?
Residual effect
Cognitive function impairment
personality changes, dementia
can be left deaf or blind
how to Dx Herpes Simplex Virus encephalitis
EEG
spinal tap
CSF
shows diffuse slowing or focal changes in the temporal lobe
o EEG –
how to treat Herpes Simplex Virus encephalitis
acyclovir ganciclovir morphine/dilaudid steroids anticonvulsants
♣ Early administration improves prognosis
♣ Inhibits viral DNA replication
♣ Prevent relapse continue treatment for up to 3 weeks
♣ Slow IV administration over 1 hour to prevent crystallization of the med in the urine
acyclovir and ganciclovir
nursing management for patient with Herpes Simplex Virus encephalitis
assess neuro function q 2 hours
o Comfort measures to reduce headache for Herpes Simplex Virus encephalitis
dimming lights, limiting noise and visitors, grouping nursing interventions, administering analgesic meds
o why are Opioids are used cautiously in patient with encephalitis –
may mask neuro symptoms
o Arthropod-borne virus vectors
(AKA arbovirus
mosquitoes, ticks, psychodids (type of moth)
o Vector borne encephalitis
west Nile
(fungal encephalitis is usually with?
AIDs patients
CA
Immunocompromised
treatment of fungal encephalitis
antifungals
amphotericin B
fluconazole
causes major flu-like symptoms; fever, nausea, vomiting
♣ Amphotericin B—
maculopapular skin rash. lymph node enlargement. paralysis
west nile
nursing care of encephalitis
o Ineffective protection o Assess LOC continually o Monitor memory impairment o Monitor ICP o Monitor vitalsseptic shock; increased BP and decreased pulse o Monitor fever Monitor for seizure activity o Monitor for cranial nerve damage o Administer medications as needed Risk for imbalanced fluid volume
ϖ Spongiform encephalopathy – degenerative, infectious neuro disorder
\
ϖ Rapidly progressive, degenerative, neurologic disease that causes brain degeneration WITHOUT inflammation
Creutzfeldt – Jakob Disease (CJD
CJD has no identifiable cause. however vCJD results from?
ingesting infected meat
ϖ Risk of ____ in US in thought to be low because cattle are fed primarily with grass, wheat, and soy-derived feed as opposed to feed containing animal parts
CJD
ϖ Clinical manifestations vCJD:
behavioral changes, sensor disturbances, limb pain, muscle spasms, rigidity, dysarthria, incoordination, cognitive symptoms and sleep disturbances.
ϖ Clinical manifestations CJD: ]
mental deterioration, ataxia, visual disturbances, memory loss, involuntary movement, paralysis, and mute
diagnosis of CJD or vCJD
EEG
MRI
CSF
o reveals a characteristic pattern over duration of the disease
♣ Shows burst-suppressions characterized by periodic spikes alternating with slow periods
EEG
treatment of CJD/vCJD
supportive and palliative care
o Goals of care with CJD
promotion of comfort measures, prevention of injury related to immobility and dementia, and provision of support and education for family
ϖ Prevention of disease transmission is an important part of nursing care of CJD
standard precautions
DISPOSABLE INSTRUMENTS
Why are disposable instruments used for CJD
sterilization methods do not destroy the prion
ϖ Autoimmune disorder progressive demyelinating disease of the CNS
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
2 types of MS
relapsing/remitting (RR)
or
Primary Progressive MS
o Exacerbations followed by remissions
Can occur over several days or week then get better
relapsing/remitting (RR)
o Exacerbations occur but do not normally return to baseline function
o As the nerve fibers become increasingly damaged so does the disabilities for the patient
o Usually in wheel chair
Primary Progressive MS
sx of MS
fatigue and pain ***** depression weakness numbness difficulty in coordination loss of balance eye issues cognitive and psychomotor changes bladder, bowel, sexual dysfunction
may contribute to fatigue with MS
heat, depression, anemia, deconditioning, and meds
how to avoid fatigue with MS
avoid heat!!!!!
secondary complications with MS
UTIs constipation pressure ulcers high risk for falls and injury malnutrition conracture deformities dependent pedal edema pneumonia reactive depression osteoporosis
o Certain things can exacerbate symptoms of MS:
heat, extreme cold, stress
o MRI will show multiple ____ on the brain in the CNS with multiple sclerosis. If plaques do not show up on MRI will do a CSF analysis.
plaques
o Electrophoresis of CSF identifies presence of ______ _______ – several bands of immunoglobulin G bonded together, indicating an immune system abnormality
oligoclonal banding
collaborative management for MS
keep patient independent
no cure
die of complications (pneumonia)
main treatment for MS
interferon beta 1A (Rebif)
interferon beta 1B (Betaseron)
• Interferon beta meds can cause major ____-___ symptoms
flu-like
flu-like symptoms can be managed with
acetaminophen and ibuprofen and resolve after a few months
• Additional side effects of interferon meds for MS
potential liver damage, fetal abnormalities, and depression
• Optimal control of disability, interferon meds should be started when with MS?
at the first sign of MS
• reduces rate of relapse in the relapsing remitting (RR) MS
Glatiramer acetate
- Steroid key agent in treating acute relapse in RR
* Shortens duration of relapse but no long term effects
♣ IV methylprednisone
Medication of choice for spasticity with MS
Baclofen
other med to treat spasticity with MS
benzo’s
diazepam
tizandinine
dantrolene
• Treats fatigue that interferes with ADLs with MS
Amantadine
pemoline
dalfampridine
• may be used to treat bladder and bowel problems with MS
♣ Anticholinergics, alpha-adrenergic blockers, anti-spasmodics
may be given also to acidify the urine and prevent bacterial growth in MS patients
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
assessment with MS
o Assess for weakness, spasticity, visual impairments, bowel and bladder problems
o Assess for impaired speech or swallowing high risk for aspiration
ND with MS
o Impaired physical mobility o Risk for injury/fall o Impaired urinary and bowel elimination o Impaired verbal communication o Impaired speech or swallowing o Risk for aspiration o Disturbed thought processes as disease progresses o Ineffective individual coping o Impaired home maintenance o Potential for sexual dysfunction
how to Minimize spasticity and contractures with MS
♣ ROM exercise, physical therapy, warm packs (not hot bath), stretching, balance rest and activity
how to minimize effects of immobility with MS
Pressure ulcers (Turn q 2),
pressure relieving devices if in wheelchair (egg crate),
coughing and deep breathing (prevent pneumonia).
o Preventing injury with MS
walk with wide based gait and stand up straight,
keeping room free of clutter is a priority,
protect the extremities,
double vision (eye-patch)
what type of diet with MS
soft diet with thickened liquids
o As MS progresses referred to ____ ____. Once it is progressively worsens ____ _____.
home health;
hospice care
ϖ A rare, chronic disease that affects the myoneural junction
ϖ Exact etiology is unknown, thought to be an autoimmune response
Myasthenia Gravis
who is more likely to have MG
women
ϖ Believed that the ____ ____ plays an active role in the autoimmune response of MG
thymus gland
o Antibodies directed at the acetylcholine receptor sites impair transmission of impulses varying degrees of weakness of the voluntary muscles
Myasthenia Gravis
sx of MG
muscle weakness generalized fatigue ptosis diplopia bulbar symptoms hand and arm difficulties difficulty walking and sitting bland facial expression
o Myasthenia gravis is purely a motor disorder with NO effect on _______ or ______.
sensation or coordination
weakness of the muscles of the face and throat
o Bulbar symptoms –
diagnosis of MG
history and symptoms
Tensilon Test (Edrophonium chloride)
EMG
MRI
♣ ______ should be available to control side effects of Tensilon –
Atropine
sx of Tensilon
bradycardia, sweating, cramping
Tensilon Test (Edrophonium chloride) is contraindicated in patients with _____ patients
cardiac
what test is done when Tension test is contraindicated
ice test
♣ Ice packs over eyes for 1-2 minutes and symptoms will temporarily resolve
Ice test
if droop improves after ice test. result is _____
positive.
detects a delay or failure of neuromuscular transmission (looks at muscle fibers)
o EMG
the MRI checks for an enlarged ____ ____ with MG
thymus gland
plasma exchange technique used to treat exacerbations of MG
o Plasmapheresis –
♣ Remove thymus gland since it’s thought that the thymus produces the antibodies
♣ Last resort for patients with severe symptoms
thymectomy
o Acute exacerbation of MG is a myasthenic crisis
♣ Respiratory infection or distress ♣ Medication change ♣ Medications that can exacerbate MG ♣ Surgery ♣ Pregnancy ♣ Stress and/or trauma ♣ Dysphagia – difficulty swallowing ♣ Dysarthria – difficulty speaking ♣ Eyelid ptosis ♣ Diplopia ♣ Prominent muscle weakness
myasthenia crisis patients will be where
in ICU for constant monitoring
over medicate with cholinesterase inhibitors
toxic response to medication
♣ Profound weakness, copious secretions, and eventually respiratory failure
o Cholinergic crisis
should be on hand to treat bradycardia and respiratory distress.
♣ Atropine sulfate
if they have MG but not in crisis
treated at home
MG in crisis
monitoring accurate neurological and respiratory is essential
most common cause of death with MG
respiratory failure
what will MG patients get before eating?
Pyridostigmine
• Helps to improve swallowing and to eat better to reduce the risk of aspiration
Pyridostigmine
ϖ Autoimmune attack on the peripheral nerve myelinacute, rapid segmental demyelination of peripheral nerves and some cranial nerves
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
symptoms of GBS
ascending weakness with dyskinesia hyporeflexia paresthesias optic nerve demyelination vagas nerve demyelination NO loss of LOC
inability to initiate voluntary movement
♣ Dyskinesia
sensation of numbness, tingling, or “pin and needles”
♣ Paresthesias
worry about ___ _____ with GBS
respiratory paralysis
o Usually some kind of event that occurs about 2 weeks prior to GBS
(flu shot, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV)
o Optic nerve demyelination may lead to _____.
blindness
o Vegas nerve demyelination leads to?
cardiac issues like bradycardia, tachycardia, hypertension, orthostatic hypotension
ϖ May take up to ___ years for full recovery with GBS – some patients may not fully recover
2
diagnosis of GBS
history and physical and patients symptoms
o Monitoring for life-threatening complications of GBS include:
respiratory failure,
cardiac manifestations,
DVT,
PE
GBS patients will be on continuous ____ ______
ECG/telemetry monitoring
what should nurse do for paralysis with GBS
PROM
ϖ Exact cause unknown
ϖ Involuntary contraction of the facial muscles causing
o Sudden closure of the eye
o Twitching of the mouth
o Usually unilateral
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a condition of the ____ cranial nerve
5th
ϖ with Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain is usually related to
a stimulation of the trigeminal of the affected nerve branches
what causes pain with Trigeminal Neuralgia
o Touching face/washing face
o Brushing teeth
o Eating
o Drinking food that is too hot/cold
nursing management of Trigeminal Neuralgia
prevent pain
provide post-op care
how to prevent pain
pain meds Avoid things that make pain worse cotton pads and room temp water to wash face rinse with mouth wash after eating perform personal hygiene at pain-free intervals take food and fluids at room temp chew on unaffected side ingest soft foods
Bell’s palsy facial paralysis caused by unilateral inflammation of the ___ cranial nerve
7th
o Face become distorted from paralysis
o Decreased lacrimation and painful sensations in the face, behind the ear, and in the eye
o May have difficulties swallowing and eating
o Cause unknown
Bell’s palsy
o Goal for Bell’s Palsy
maintain muscle tone in face and prevent/minimize denervation
ϖ Nursing management of Bell’s palsy
protection of eye from injury while paralysis lasts
ϖ Natural barriers of absorption that diminish the efficacy of ocular medications include the following:
o Limited size of the conjunctival sac
o Corneal membrane barriers
o Blood-ocular barriers
o Tearing, blinking, and drainage
ϖ _____ solutions are most commonly used for the eye
Aqueous
(instilled eye drops and applied ointments) are the most commonly used for ocular disorders
o Topical routes
• Major disadvantage of ointments is ____ _____ – can last for a while after application which would be a safety issue
blurred vision
o Used before diagnostic procedures or for pts having severe eye pain
ϖ Topical Anesthetic Agents
o Anesthesia occurs between ___-___ and can last ___-___ min
with Topical Anesthetic Agents
20 seconds - 1 minute and can last from 10 - 20 minutes
o Nurses must educate pts to not ____ _____ – this can cause corneal damage with topical anesthetic agents
rub eyes
overuse of Topical Anesthetic Agents can cause
softening of the cornea
o Prolonged use of topical anesthetic agents can result in
delayed healing & can lead to permanent corneal opacification and scarring, resulting in visual loss
o Usually used in combo for max. pupil dilation
ϖ Mydriatic and Cycloplegic Agents
education with Mydriatic and Cycloplegic Agents
temporary glare, inability to focus properly, difficulty reading
effects of Mydriatic and Cycloplegic Agents can last?
3 hours to several days
advise to wear _____ with Mydriatic and Cycloplegic Agents
sunglassess