Adult Heath II -- Test 3 Flashcards
Parkinson’s S/S
bradykinesia, resting tremor; rigidity; mental status (depression), postural instability
excess ACh – constipation, ortho HOTN, diaphoresis, flusing
Parkinson’s Rx
Levodopa (dopamine precursor) and Carbidopa (inhibits peripheral conversion of levodopa = more for brain)
Parkinson’s Rx A/E
dyskenisa, dystonia, on/off
Drugs that cause PD-like Sx
antipsychotics (ie Haldol, lithium & others), antiemetics (ie Compazine), Reglan, antiHTN (ie reserpine, aldomet), illicit drugs (ie methamphetamines)
Fall Precautions
PT for balance, low & locked bed, fall bracelet, don’t get up alone, bed alarm, non-skid footwear, no throw rugs, furniture w/ open pathways to walk
Aspiration Precautions
HOB elevated before & after meal, lung sounds before & after eating, ensure not pocketing food in mouth, thickened liquids if needed, soft foods
Paraplegia
injury occurring from T1 through L4 w/ paralysis of lower extremities
Quadraplegia
– injury occurring from C1 through C8 w/ paralysis of all 4 extremities
Emergency Care for SCI
maintain patent airway, immobilize on spinal backboard w/ head in neutral position w/ a C-collar to prevent an incomplete injury from becoming complete, prevent head flexion/rotation/extension, if severe cervical injury skeletal traction should be placed in the ER; always suspect SCI until ruled out, improper handling can cause further neurological damage/loss of function
Edema can extend up cord extending deficits, tx w/ methylprednisolone w/i 8hrs of SCI (not for penetrating injuries); enormous dosages
Cervical traction
ALWAYS CONTINOUS, requires pin site care, assess for alignment, amount (lbs) will depend on level of injury, alignment & reduction obtained via x-ray, various types of tongs; in for 5 days then sx
Halo traction
– high to mid cervical fractures w/o cord injury; teaching – 10-12 weeks, post op don’t raise HOB until ordered, walker, swivel chair, low heeled shoes, straws for drinking, sponge bath (no showers/baths), don’t use bars to move pt, don’t lift more than 10lbs, button up shirts
C collar
post-sx: 2 collars (wear one wash the other), change collar in front of mirror, snug but not tight, should prevent nodding yes/no, complication: pressure ulcers
Neurogenic spinal shock
acute SCI complication, ischemic event (lack of circulation) 30 min – 6 weeks; s/s – hypotension (tx w/ dopamine), bradycardia, warm/dry extremities, inability to regulate temp, areflexia below injury, no sensation/movement
Hyperkalemia
acute SCI complication assess during first couple of weeks; loss of K from paralyzed muscle; tx w/ Kayexylate, diuretics if tolerated by hypotension, insulin
Autonomic dysreflexia
potentially chronic massive sympathetic response to visceral stimulation that occurs after spinal shock resolved & reflex activity has returned, more likely w/ injuries above T5-6, disconnect b/w PNS & SNS, intact lower motor neurons sense painful stimuli below level of injury (ie full bladder); message trying to get to brain is blocked so looks for another route
Autonomic dysreflexia S/S
sudden & severe HTN (250/180), pounding h/a, bradycardia, arterial dilation/flushed skin/sweating above T6, nasal congestion, cool skin/goose bumps below injury
Autonomic dysreflexia Etiology
bladder/bowel distention, tight dressings, decubitus ulcers, anything that normally causes pain below lesion, PG
Autonomic dysreflexia Tx
sit pt up (they are orthostatic), monitor BP, look for cause & alleviate it, vasodilators (apresoline, Procardia, nitroglycerin); teach pt to prevent
Immobility hazards
pneumonia, DVT & decubitus ulcers – every system is compromised by bed rest; turn/cough/deep breathe often, meds, early mobility
Back Tx
– brief bed rest (2 days – longer bedrest results in greater disability), PT including exercises (after acute pain subsides), ice/heat/massage, body mechanics, traction; meds – NSAIDs, opioids, muscle relaxants, steroids
Myelogram – intro
– specialized x-ray; lumbar puncture below L3 & injection of contrast into subarachnoid space (can show bony overgrowth, spinal cord tumors/abscesses, HNP/pinched nerve)
Myelogram – pre
allergies to contrast, kidney/thyroid/liver problems (inhibit excretion of contrast – BUN & creatinine), permit signed, pre-op drug, NPO at least 4-8hrs, d/c drugs that lower seizure threshold including: (phenothiazines ie Phenergan, TCA (ie Elavil), CNS stimulants, Glucophage, Demerol shouldn’t be ordered; d/c drugs that cause blood thinning ie ASA, NSAIDs, Plavix, Anticoagulants
Myelogram – post
force fluids, low to semi-fowler’s, assess for voiding, assess LE movement, assess for spinal h/a, if outpatient need a driver
Laminectomy – post
removal of entire lamina (sm bony plate on the back of the vertebrae) to relieve pressure on the spinal canal; post-op – always log roll, don’t ambulate or raise HOB w/o an order, always have draw sheet on bed, report any neuro deficit (ie motor loss, urinary retention, sensory loss), stool softener as ordered, assess wound, TCDB q2h, antibiotics ordered, avoid drugs that increase bleeding, pain mgmt., NSAIDs may not be ordered b/c want inflammation, don’t drive/check w/ MD, TLSO (thoracic lumbar sacral orthodesis ie brace) q3-6mos; complications – neuro deficit, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, CSF leak