Ch12 - Nervous System Flashcards
Central nervous system
Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system
Nerves that extend through the body
Functions of the nervous system
Control and message center of the body
Controls and coordinates all body functions
Senses information from outside the body
Normal changes of aging to the nervous system
Slower responses and reflexes
Decrease of sensitivity of nerve endings
Some memory loss (mainly short term)
Reduced vision and hearing
Decreased senses of taste, touch and smell
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
Condition that occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel leaks or ruptures (also called stroke)
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Warning sign of a CVA resulting from a temporary lack of oxygen in the brain. Symptoms are short term, up to 24 hours.
Epilepsy
Brain disorder caused by a disruption in normal electrical impulses in the brain, which caused repeated seizures
Treatments for CVA/TIA
Antiplatelet agents reduce platelet aggregation and prevent strokes
Statins lower cholesterol level and reduce stroke risk
Antihypertensives to lower blood pressure
Signs of a stroke
FAST:
Face - one side drooping
Arms - one arm numb or weak
Speech - slurred
Time - report any symptoms to nurse immediately
Signs of bleeding in residents taking antiplatelet agents
Bruising, pallor (paleness), bright red blood in vomit or stool, stomach cramps, black/tarry stool
Treatments for epilepsy
Antiepileptic drugs (anticonvulsants, antiseizure drugs) increase calming chemicals in brain or inhibit chemicals that excite the nervous system
Benzodiazepines are a class that include several antiepileptic drugs, but not all antiepileptic drugs are benzodiazepines
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
A progressive disease in which the myelin sheath on nerves breaks down over time. Causes problems with balance and walking along with other symptoms.
Myasthenia gravis (MG)
A condition in which impulses from the nerves are not transmitted properly to the musculoskeletal system. Causes muscle weakness.
Parkinson’s disease
A progressive, incurable disease that causes a section of the brain to degenerate. Causes stiff muscles, stooped posture, shuffling gait, and tremors.
Orthostatic hypotension
A drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position
Alzheimer’s disease
A progressive, incurable disease that causes tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits to form in the brain, eventually causing dementia
Treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS)
Immunomodulatory agents regulate/normalize the immune system
Corticosteroids reduce nerve inflammation
Treatments for myasthenia gravis (MG)
Cholinesterase inhibitors strengthen signals from nerves to muscles
Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants may also be used
Treatments for Parkinson’s disease
Dopamine replacement agents increase a brain chemical related to body movement
Anticholinergic agents block a brain chemical related to involuntary muscle movements, can decrease tremors
Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease
Cholinesterase inhibitors strengthen signals from nerves to muscles (transdermal form causes fewer GI side effects)
NMDA receptor antagonists reduce the chemical NMDA and can reduce symptoms
Neuropathic pain
Pain caused by illness or damage to the nervous system, sometimes with tingling or numbness
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Fatigue (tiredness) lasting at least six months
Treatments for neuropathic pain
Local pain may be treated with a local numbing agent (lidocaine)
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), a type of antidepressant drug, may relieve neuropathic pain
Opioids are a last resort
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Symptoms sometimes caused by antipsychotic medications. Can include restlessness, irritation, eye spasms, twisting head, and protruding tongue.
Treatments for anxiety
Anxiolytic drugs treat anxiety
SSRIs and SNRIs enhance chemicals in the brain that stabilize mood
Benzodiazepines enhance a calming brain chemical called GABA
Treatments for major depressive disorder (clinical depression)
SSRIs and SNRIs can help stabilize mood and increase wellbeing
Tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed less often due to side effects
Treatments for bipolar disorder
Mood stabilizers include lithium (has a narrow therapeutic index)
Second-generation antipsychotics block various brain chemicals
Treatments for schizophrenia
First and second-generation antipsychotics
Cataract
A condition in which cloudy spots develop in the lens of the eye, causing vision loss
Glaucoma
A disease in which increased pressure inside the eye causes damage that often leads to vision loss and blindness
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
A condition in which the macula (part of the retina at the back of the eye) gradually deteriorates, causing vision loss and problems such as the inability to recognize faces, drive, read and write
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the lining of the eyelid, often caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or objects/substances in eye. Also called pink eye.
Acute otitis media
Infection of the middle ear
Cerumen
Medical term for earwax
Treatment for cataracts
Corrected with surgery
After surgery, NSAID eyedrops/ointment prevent inflammation
Treatment for glaucoma
Prostaglandin analogs increase eye fluid outflow to decrease pressure in the eye (names ending in -prost)
Beta blockers reduce eye fluid production (names ending in -olol)
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce eye fluid production
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists reduce eye fluid production and increase outflow
Treatments for conjunctivitis
Antibiotic eye drops or ointment kills the infecting bacteria
Treatments for acute otitis media (ear infection)
May clear up on their own; analgesics can help relieve pain
Antibiotics are used if infection does not resolve on its own
Treatments for cerumen buildup
Cerumenolytics soften earwax
