Ch. 15, 21 (Dementia/Delirium, & Neuro) Flashcards
What is described as weakness on one side of the body?
hemiparesis
What is described as paralysis on one side of the body?
hemiplegia
What is described as decreased vision or blindness in half of one eye or the same half
of both eyes?
hemianopsia
What is described as a progressive degeneration of neurons in the basal ganglia
resulting in the reduced production of dopamine?
parkinson disease
What is described as an temporary or intermittent neurological event
that can result from any situation that reduces cerebral circulation?
transient ischemic attack (TIA)
What are the effects of aging on the nervous system?
- demyelination
- decreased taste & smell
What are subtle symptoms of neurologic disorders that should be detected by nurses?
- new headaches
- changes in vision
- sudden deafness, ringing in ears
- altered level of consciousness, mood or personality changes
- unsteady gait
- numbness/tingling of extremity
What disease affects ability of the central nervous system to control body
movements as result of impaired function of basal ganglia in
midbrain?
parkinson’s disease
What disease causes decreased dopamine production responsible for smooth motor movement and emotions?
parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is more common in what population?
men, after age 50
What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
- shuffling gait
TRAP - Tremor (pill rolling)
- Rigidity
- Akinesia/bradykinesia
- Postural Instability
What is the main medication given to treat Parkinson’s disease?
carbidopa/levodopa
Besides medication, what is the goal of treatment for Parkinson’s Disease?
prolong independence as long as possible
What is described as temporary or intermittent reduction in cerebral perfusion?
transient ischemic attacks (TIA)
What are signs and symptoms of transient ischemic attacks (TIA)?
- hemiparesis
- hemianesthesia
- aphasia
- unilateral loss of vision
- diplopia
- vertigo
- nausea
- vomiting
- dysphagia
People who suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA) are at an increased risk for what?
cerebrovascular accident/stroke
What is the third leading cause of death and major cause of disability in older adults?
cerebrovascular accident (CVA) stroke
What are the predisposing factors for cerebrovascular accident (CVA)/stroke?
- hypertension
- severe arteriosclerosis
- diabetes
- gout
- anemia
- hypothyroidism
- silent myocardial infarction
- TIAs
- dehydration
- cigarette smoking
What is the difference between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes?
- ischemic: blockage by thrombus or embolus
- hemorrhagic: ruptured cerebral blood vessel
What is the #1 thing to note when evaluating a CVA?
time of onset
What is the onset of delirium characterized as?
acute, rapid (change noted within hours, a day or days)
What are signs and symptoms of delirium?
- change in mental status
- disorientation
- personality changes
- sleep disturbances
True or False?:
Any change in behavior or cognitive pattern warrants evaluation
true
Can people with dementia develop delirium?
yes
