Final Exam Flashcards
manifestations of hypokalemia
weak irregular pulse, orthostatic hypotension, confusion, lethargy, coma, decreased motility (decreased bowels sounds), nausea, vomiting, skeletal muscle weakness, decreased deep tendon reflex, parasthesias, shallow resp., EKG changes
causes of hypokalemia
potassium loss (d/t meds, increased aldosterone, vomiting, diarrhea, NG tube prolonged suction, diaphoresis, impaired K reabsorption (kidney disease)), inadequate potassium intake, movement from ECF to ICF (alkalosis, hyperinsulinism), dilution of serum potassium (water intox., IVF with potassium deficient sol.)
EKG changes with hypokalemia
ST depressions, shallow flat or inverted T wave, prominent U wave
management of hypokalemia
monitor heart rhythms (cardiac monitor, focused cardiac assess.), assess resp., GI, and renal (urine output, BUN, creatinine), monitor electrolytes, hold potassium-wasting meds, replenish potassium (potassium rich food)
replenishing hypokalemia
levels 2.5-3.5 supplement orally, less than 2.5 supplement IV
causes of hyperkalemia
excess K intake (food, meds, or IV sol.), decreased K excretion (K sparing meds, NSAIDs, ACEI, renal disease, adrenal insufficiency), movement for ICF to EXC (tissue damage, acidosis, hyperuricemia, hypercatabolism)
manifestations of hyperkalemia
slow irregular pulse, dysrhythmias, hypotension, weakened skeletal muscles, increased motility, hyperactive B.S., diarrhea, muscle spasms, cramping, parasthesias, profound weakness and paralysis in extrem. at late and lethal levels
EKG changes of hyperkalemia
peaked T waves, flat P waves, widened QRS complex, Prolonged PR interval
management of hyperkalemia
limit/discontinue intake of K, increase excretion (potassium wasting diuretics, kayexalate for renal impairment, IV hypertonic glucose with insulin, IV calcium to prevent myocardial excitability, monitor K levels, assess cardiac function continuously
causes of hypocalcemia
inadequate oral intake (alcoholism), malabsorption (lactose intol., celiac disease/crohns disease, inadequate vit. D intake, ESRD), increased excretion (renal disease, diarrhea, wound drainage-especially GI), decreased ionized fraction of calcium (chelate or binding meds, acute pancreatitis, hypophosphatemia, removal/drainage of parathyroid glands)
manifestations of hypocalcemia
bradycardia, hypotension, diminished pulses, irritable skeletal muscles (twitching, cramp, tetany, seizure), decreased resp., paresthesias, hyperctive deep tendon reflex, anxiety, irritability, increased GI motility, hyperactive BS, cramping, diarrhea, positive trosseau’s and chvosteks
EKG changes with hypocalcemia
prolongs SR and QT
management of hypocalcemia
replenish Calcium (IV Slowly), increase vit. that increase absorption (vit D, aluminum hydroxide to reduce Phosph, have 10% cal. gluconate available for acute deficit), reduce environmental stim., seizure precautions, monitor EKG for changes (especially w/ IV calcium), educate calcium rich foods
trosseaus sign
carpal spasm induced by inflation of BP cuff
chvosteks sign
contraction of facial muscles in response to light tap over facial nerve in front of ear
isotonic dehydration
equal loss of water and electrolytes; decreased circulating blood causing inadequate tissue perfusion
hypertonic dehydration
water loss > electrolyte loss (causing hypernatremia); fluid moves from intracellular into plasma (cells shrink) d/t alterations in plasma electrolytes
hypotonic dehydration
electrolyte loss > water loss (causing hyponatremia); fluid moves from plasma and interstitial space into cells (cells swell) d/t fluid shifting between compartments and decreasing plasma volume
fluid volume deficit manifestations of lab findings
increased serum osmolarity, increased hematocrit, increased BUN, increased serum sodium, increases urine Specific gravity
fluid volume deficit management
oral rehydration/ IV: isotonic dehydration rehydrate with isotonic fluids, hypertonic dehydration with hypotonic, hypotonic dehydration with hypertonic
fluid volume deficit manifestations of assessment
weak/thready/diminished pulse, decreased BP/ortho., flat neck veins, decreased RR/dyspnea, lethargy/coma, muscle weakness, fever, decreased urine output, decreased skin turgor, dry mouth, diminished bowel sounds, constipation, thirst
process of stroke
cerebral anoxia- lack of O2 to the brain which can cause cell damage, cerebral infarction- death of brain tissue from lack of O2/blood supply, cerebral edema- brain swelling (compensatory mechanism that can damage the brain further due to increased ICP), cerebral dysfunction- portion of brain that lost function d/t death
2 types of stroke
hemorrhagic or ischemic
2 types of ischemic strokes
thrombotic or embolic
manifestations of ischemic stroke
sudden severe headache; weakness/numbness; difficulty speaking/understanding speech; loss of balance/difficulty walking/dizziness; confusion/altered LOC; dysphagia; facial droop to one side
manifestations of hemorrhagic stroke
sudden severe headache (worst headache of pt life); weakness/numbness; N/V; difficulty speaking/understanding speech; vision problems; loss of balance/difficulty walking/dizziness; confusion/altered LOC; seizures
nursing intervention of acute phase of stroke
maintain airway, supplemental O2, neuro exam- monitor ICP within first 72 hours, elevate HOB and place pt on side to prevent aspiration, foley catheter, fluid and electrolyte admin., medication admin., quiet environment, seizure precautions
nursing interventions of post acute phase of stroke
position 2 hours on unaffected side and 20 minutes on affected side, antiembolism stockings, ROM exercises, eval. gag reflex and ability to swallow, NPO to begin and advance as tolerated
what is a seizure
abnormal, sudden, excessive discharge of electrical activity in the brain
3 main types of seizures
focal onset- localized to one area of brain, generalized onset- more wide spread brain activity, unknown onset
6 types of seizures
tonic-clonic (gen), absence (gen.), myoclonic, atonic/akinetic, simple partial (focal), complex partial (focal)
general stroke symptoms
sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination
non-modifiable risk factors for stroke
age, gender (males higher risk), ethnicity (african americans higher risk), genetics
modifiable risk factors for stroke
HTN, atherosclerosis, Afib, anticoag therapy, stress, obesity, oral contraceptives, DM
primary cause of stroke
HTN
embolic ischemic stroke
clot/debris that travels to brain; sudden severe symptoms; less common warning signs; pt remains conscious but complains of headache
thrombotic ischemic stroke
build up of plaque in artery in brain; gradual onset compared to other strokes; no decrease in LOC in first 24 hours; s/s progressively worsen as infarction and edema occurs
common stroke assessment findings
agnosia, apraxia/dyspraxia, hemianopsia, neglect syndrome, proprioception alterations, aphasia
agnosia
inability to recognise familiar objects/people
apraxia/dyspraxia
loss of ability to carry out skilled movements or gestures
meds used to prevent strokes
anticoag therapy, antiplatelet, antihypertensive, dyslipidemia
acute stroke management
CT without contrast to identify if hemorrhagic or ischemic; if ischemic then use thrombolytic therapy
window for administering thrombolytic therapy
3.5-4 hours after onset of altered status
epilepsy
disorder characterized by chronic seizure activity; indicates CNS or brain irritation
causes of seizures
genetics, tumors, trauma, circulatory or metabolic disorders, toxicity, infection
status epilecticus
rapid succession of epilectic spasms without intervals of consciousness; can occur with any type of seizure
what is the danger of seizures?
can cause brain damage
tonic/clonic seizures
may begin with aura; tonic phase consist of stiffening/rigidity of muscles in arms or legs for 10-20 sec followed by LOC; clonic phase consist of hyperventilation and rapid jerking of extrem. lasting 30 seconds; may lose control of bladder during clonic phase; postictal phase may take hours to recover
when to seek medical treatment for seizures
if seizure lasts longer than 5 min
myoclonic seizure
minor/brief generalized jerking or stiffening of extremities; can cause pt to fall to ground; pt is aware of the event
atonic seizures
sudden loss of muscle tone causing person to drop/fall to ground; both sides of brain usually affected; can happen to part or entire body; lasts less than 15 sec; pt not completely aware of event
simple seizure
occurs in one area of brain on one side; motor and sensory symptoms localized to specific area; pt remains conscious; rarely lasts longer than 1 hour; may experience aura
complex seizure
most common seizure in adults; consist of blank stare (usually involves temporal lobe); periods of altered behavior that pt is unaware of; lasts longer than 1 minute; pt loses consciousness for a second
nursing assessment of seizure
seizure HX, type of seizure, what happened before/during/after; were there prodromal signs/aura; loss of bladder? LOC?; details of postictal state
phases of seizure
prodromal phase, aura phase, ictal phase, postictal phase
nursing interventions for seizure
note time/duration; assess behavior at beginning/middle/end; lower pt to ground; support ABCs; remain with pt but do not restrain; remove tight clothing; note type of seizure; monitor incontinence; admin IV meds; monitor vitals; reorient pt
myasthenia gravis
chronic progressive neuromuscular disease characterized by severe weakness and abnormal fatigue of voluntary muscles; interruption of transmission of nerve impulses at myoneural junction
causes of myasthenia gravis
insufficient secretion of acetylcholine; excessive secretion of cholinesterase; unresponsiveness of muscle fibers to acetylcholine
what is the role of acetylcholine neurotransmitter
muscle contraction and movement
what is the role of cholinesterase
destruction of acetylcholine
assessment of myasthenia gravis
weakness, fatigue, difficulty with chewing and swallowing, dysphagia, diplopia, weak/hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, ptosis
nursing interventions for myasthenia gravis
monitoring of respiratory, swallowing, cough reflex, speech, muscle strength, myasthenic or cholinergic crisis; educate pt to wear medic alert, sit up when eating, conservation of muscle strength
treatment of myasthenia gravis
admin anticholinesterase meds which relieve muscle weakness by blocking acetylcholine breakdown at neuromuscular junction
myasthenic crisis
acute exacerbation of disease that is caused by rapid progression of disease, infection, too little meds, fatigue, or stress
manifestations of myasthenic crisis
tachycardia, tachypnea, HTN, dyspnea, cyanosis, incontinence, absent cough/swallow reflex
nursing interventions for myasthenic crisis
assess for symptoms, increase anticholinesterase meds as prescribed
osteoarthritis
breakdown of articular cartilage leading to damage of bone; osteophytes form in joint space that cause narrowing and decreased movement in joints; causes progressive degeneration
risk factors for developing osteoarthritis
old age, female, obesity, labor intensive occupations, sports
manifestations of osteoarthritis
pain when moving under stress that is relieved by stress; hard and bony stiff joints; morning stiffness for about 30 minutes; often impacts weight bearing joints like hips knees c-spine and l-spine
2 types of bony growths in osteoarthritis
heberden- distal; bouchard-proximal
assessment of osteoarthritis
joint crepitus; effusion d/t inflammation; non-systemic; x-ray + for decreased joint space and osteophyte formation; subchondral bones may appear thick
does osteoarthritis appear bilaterally?
no but it can
management of osteoarthritis
decrease pain and stiffness, maintain/improve mobility, exercise to preserve joint, weight loss, OT/PT, orthotics and walking devices, NSAIDs/steroids, arthroplasty in severe cases
osteoporosis
bone resorption (osteoclast) > bone formation (osteoblast); causing thinning of bone
osteoporosis can lead to…
compression FX of T and L spine, FX of hips, FX of wrists; increased FX risk
risk factors for developing osteoporosis
small frame, female, ethnicity, aromatase inhibitor use, nutritional factors, autoimmune diseases, steroid use, immobility, diabetes
typical age range for onset of osteoporosis
men- 60 to 70
women- 50 to 60
manifestations of osteoporosis
low bone mineral density on DEXA scan, rounding of upper back (aka dowager humps), osteoporotic FX; otherwise can be asymptomatic
assessment of osteoporosis
X-ray + for radiolucency if significant demineralization (dark area indicative of low density); dual energy xray (DEXA) provides bone mineral density
prevention of osteoporosis
balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular weight bearing exercises (20-30 per day)
why weight training for osteoporosis prevention
stimulates bone mineral density
management of osteoporosis
pharmacological therapy to improve bone density via bisphosphenates or alendronate; hip FX managed with replacement; compression FX managed conservatively
osteoporosis nursing interventions
educate pt on how to prevent worsening, pain management, improve bowel elimination to avoid FX, injury prevention
osteomalacia
inadequate mineralization of bone caused by Vitamin D deficiency; leads to soft and weakened bones
causes of osteomalacia
failure to absorb calcium; excessive calcium loss; GI disorders; liver disease; kidney disease; renal insufficiency; hyperparathyroidism; malnutrition
assessment of osteomalacia
X-ray + for general demineralization; X-ray can show compression FX; labs show low Ca, low Phosp, elevated alkaline phosphatase; bone biopsy shows increased osteoid
what is osteoid
demineralized cartilaginous bone matrix; aka pre-bone
management of osteomalacia
treat underlying cause f possible; Vitamin D, calcium supplements, sun exposure; if kidney disease is issue then admin of activated Vitamin D med; if dietary is cause then recommend change; severe deformities may warrant braces
why low calcium and low phosphorus in osteomalacia
bone is unable to mineralize
why elevated phosphatase in osteomalacia
increased bone turnover
septic arthritis
infection of joint; mortality for ingle infected joint is 11%
risk factors for developing septic arthritis
older age, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, skin infection, alcoholism, HX of joint surgery, IV drug use
manifestations of septic arthritis
warm, painful, swollen joint; decreased ROM; chills, fever, leukocytosis; half of all cases localized to knee
assessment of septic arthritis
infectious workup; aspirations, examination, and culture of synovial fluid (will be purulent pus); CT/MRI and bone scan
septic arthritis management
primary broad spectrum antibiotic, aspirate synovial fluid periodically (therapeutic aspiration), splinting, pain relief, progressive ROM, potential for joint fibrosis, monitor for reoccurrence
nursing interventions for septic arthritis
pain relief; improve physical mobility; control infection promote home, community, transitional care
3 types of fractures
closes or simple, open or compound/complex, intra-articular
avulsion FX
fx where fragment of one has been pulled away by tendon and its attachment
comminuted FX
fx where bone has splintered into severe fragments
compression FX
fx where bone has become compressed (common or vertebrae)
depressed FX
fx where fragments are driven inward (commonly seen in skull)
epiphyseal FX
fx through epiphysis
greenstick FX
fx where one side is broken and other is bent (common in children)
impacted FX
fx where bone fragment is driven into another bone fragment
oblique FX
fx occurring at angle across bone; ess stable than transverse FX
open FX/ compound FX
fx where bone is protruding through skin or mucous membrane; damage to skin or mucous membrane; increased risk for infection
pathologic FX
fx that occurs through area of diseased bone; can occur with or without trauma; ex. osteoporosis or bone cyst
simple FX
fx that remains contained in skin; no disruption of skin integrity
spiral FX
fx that twists around the bone shaft
stress FX
fx resulting from repeated loading of bone and muscle
transverse FX
fx that is straight across bone shaft
manifestations of bone FX
loss of function, shortening, crepitus, edema, deformity, ecchymosis
assessment of FX
health HX, comorbidities, vital signs, respiratory status, LOC, s/s of shock, neurovascular assessment of extremity, bowel/bladder elimination, bowel sounds, I/Os if hip FX, skin condition, anxiety and coping
management of FX
immediate immobilization, cover open wounds, FX reduction and then immobilize if needed