Brain Tumors

Question 1

What are clinical manifestations of brain tumors?

Answer 1

1. Positive Babinski sign in which the toes fan out like in an infant response
2. Positive Rhomberg’s sign where the patient is okay with eyes open and sway with eyes shut
3. Papilledema (swelling of the eye)
4. Dysphagia and dysarthria
5. Supratentorial region of brain will cause patient to have a severe headache which is worse upon awakening and improves throughout the day

Question 2

What diagnostic tests are done to test for brain tumors and what diagnostic test is avoided?

Answer 2

1. CT/MRI/PET/X-ray/angiography: This is done first to determine if there is an increased ICP
2. Avoid performing lumbar punctures if IICP is suspected because the brain will go with it and herniate through the foramen ovale

Question 3

What interventions can the nurse help perform for a patient with a brain tumor?

Answer 3

1. maintain airway
2. monitor neurological status
3. seizure precautions
4. continue anti epileptics to prevent seizures
5. stop aspirin 72 hours before surgery
6. no alcohol, tobacco, anticoagulants, and NSAIDs 5 days prior to surgery

Question 4

What complications can occur with a brain tumor?

Answer 4

syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) or diabetes insipidus

Question 5

what is SIADH and what medication can help treat it?

Answer 5

this is an overproduction of ADH which causes fluid retention and restriction. give a vasopressin antagonist such as convaptin to treat

Question 6

What is diabetes insipidus and what medications can be given for it?

Answer 6

this is a deficiency of ADH–> large amounts of urine excreted, here the urine is diluted and blood is concentrated . vasopressors like desmopressin are given