Attention, arousal, and cognition Flashcards
Arousal is?
The physiological readiness of the human system for activity
Alert?
Awake and attentive, normal and appropriate interactions
Lethargic?
Drowsy, difficulty focusing or maintaining attention.
Obtunded?
Difficult to arouse and often confused when awake
Stupor?
Responds to strong noxious stimuli, unable to interact
Coma?
unable to arouse
Attention?
the ability to focus on a given task without distraction.
Example of test for attention?
spell the word book backwards, say the ABCs backwards.
Arousal?
Arousal is a physiological and psychological state of being awake or reactive to stimuli.
Causes of changes in arousal? (9) name 5.
Sleepy
○ Medication error
○ Blood sugar
○ Infection
○ Hormone imbalance
○ Alcohol
○ Pain
○ BP
○ Confusion
What should you ask/perform to check arousal/awareness? (4)
When did you start feeling less alert/ancey
○ How long have you felt that way
○ How often do you feel this way
○ Outcome tools?
When should you be worried/alarmed regarding arousal/awareness?
○ When the patient shows a marked
difference in attention or arousal.
What outcome tools are uses to test awareness/arousal?
Glasgow scale, Ranchos/LOCF
Orientation?
Orientation- Refers to the pt’s awareness of time, plan and person.
Cognition?
he mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience and the senses.
