Bell’s palsy

Question 1

Acute paralysis of cranial nerve 7→unilateral flaccidity and inability to close eye

Answer 1

Bell’s palsy

Question 2

Age & Onset (Bell’s palsy)

Answer 2

20-60 y.o.

sudden or gradual

Question 3

Warning Sign: Bell’s palsy

Answer 3

may be preceded by pain behind the ear

Question 4

Medications: (Tx Bell’s palsy)

Answer 4

analgesics
Prednisone (For edema and pain, start it early)
Antivirals- to suppress herpes virus, (~75% pt)

Question 5

Antivirals: Bell’s palsy

Answer 5

Acyclovir, valacyclovir, others

Question 6

Nursing Management (Bell’s palsy)

Answer 6

Hospitalization not indicated
Protect Eye: r/t inability to close, apply artificial tears, eye patch, protect from light; Look in eye regularly, manually close eye (sometimes) BE SURE NOT A STROKE

Question 7

Eye Care (Bell’s palsy)

Answer 7

artificial tears
eye patch
protect from light
Examine regularly
manually close eye (sometimes)

Question 8

Make Sure Bell’s Palsy is not a….

Answer 8

STROKE

Question 9

Nutrition: Bell’s Palsy

Answer 9

small meals, straws, soft foods, unaffected side for chewing. Inspect mouth after meal. Privacy during meals.

Question 10

Prognosis

Answer 10

Recovery: Full, usually w/in 6 mo

May have some residual side effects