Nervous System Flashcards
Questions to ask patient regarding allergies when preparing for myelogram (664)
Dye allergies.
Allergies to iodine.
Signs and symptoms of ICP (715)
Restlessness, disorientation, headache, contralateral hemiparesis, ipsilaterally dilated pupil, blurred vision, diplopia.
Ataxia (681)
Impaired ability to coordinate movement.
Aphasia (659)
Language function is defective or absent because of injury to cerebral cortex.
Apraxia (689)
Inability to carry out learned sequential movements, perform purposeful acts, or use objects.
Agnosia (699)
Loss of ability to recognize familiar objects or people.
Lumbar puncture (LP) body position (703)
Side laying with knees to chest.
After myelogram procedure, what things do you need to watch for (664)
Observe puncture site for any CSF leakage.
Assess strength and sensation of lower extremities.
After lumbar puncture procedure, what things do you need to watch for (662)
Assess the puncture site for drainage.
Watch for development of headache.
Administer bed rest, analgesics, and ice.
Opioids are not helpful for LP pain.
Nursing instructions for someone having a CT scan done for the head (662)
No special physical preparation is necessary.
Lay supine with head in rubber holder.
What pupillary changes are observed with ICP (668, 669)
Diplopia (double vision), weakened eye muscles, pupils rect sluggishly, ipsilateral (blown) pupil, bilateral dilation.
*Blown pupils must be reported immediately.
Dysarthria (659)
Difficult, poorly executed speech that results from interference innervating the muscles of speech.
What data should be obtained regarding the history of migraines (666)
What treatments didn’t work.
Triggering factors.
Signs and symptoms.
Medications for migraines (666)
ASA (Aspirin)
-triptans
Topiramate (Topamax)
B-Blockers (-olol)
SSRIs - Elavil, Prozac
Ca Channel Blockers - Depakote
Thiazides
Foods that can trigger migraines (666)
Tyramine, nitrates, glutamates.
Vinegar, chocolate, yogurt, alcohol, fermented or marinated food, ripened cheese, cured sandwich meat, caffeine, and pork.
What category of diuretics are ordered for ICP (671)
Osmotic diuretics.
Corticosteroids.
Anticonvulsants.
Decerebrate (670)
All 4 extremities are in rigid extension.
*Planking
Decorticate (670)
Flexion with adduction of the upper extremities, and extension with inner rotation of the lower extremities.
*Pretzel spoon
Signs and symptoms of Huntington’s Disease (693, 694)
Decrease in Dopamine levels.
Abnormal and involuntary excessive movement (chorea). Twisting movement of the face, limbs, and body. Problems with speech, chewing, swallowing, decrease in mental cognition and emotional state, and psychotic.
Therapeutic serum range for Dilantin
Phenytoin (10 - 20 mcg/mL)
Side effects of Depakene (679)
Valproic Acid.
Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, sedation, emotional disturbance, weakness, altered blood coagulation.
Nursing care for myasthenia gravis (692, 693)
Teach airway protection techniques for swallowing. Suctioning as needed. ROM exercises.
Adverse effects with taking Levadopa for Parkinson’s (687)
Aggression, involuntary grimacing, head and body movements, depression, suicidal tendencies, orthostatic hypotension, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, abnormal sexual behavior.
Official diagnostic test for myasthenia gravis (692)
History and physical examination. Ask patient to look up for 2-3 minutes, observe for drooping eye lids.
Other diagnostic tests are EMG and IV anti-cholinesterase.
Alternative name for Levadopa (687)
Dopar
Larodopa
Side effects of Dilantin levels too high (toxic effects) (679)
Ataxia, vomiting, nystagmus, drowsiness, rash, fever, gum hypertrophy, lymphadenopathy.
Nursing intervention for someone who is actively seizing (679, 680)
Protection from aspiration and injury. Lower patient to the floor. Support and protect the head. Turn head to side to maintain patent airway. Observe and record observations. Note aspects of seizure. Note time for each phase, events leading up to the incident.
Postictal phase (676)
After a seizure, patient usually feels groggy and acts disoriented.
The term for slow movement associated with Parkinson’s disease (684)
Bradykinesia
A client has an impairment of cranial nerve II. What should the nurse plan to do for safety specific to this impairment?
Provide a clear path for ambulation without obstacles.
Diagnostic test used for myasthenia gravis.
Tensilon
Levodopa (Dopar) is prescribed for a client with Parkinson’s disease, and the nurse monitors the client for adverse reactions to the medication. Which of the following would indicate that the client is experiencing an adverse reaction?
impaired voluntary movements
Which of the following symptoms are consistent with a phenytoin (Dilantin) level of 32 mg/dl?
Ataxia and confusion
When obtaining vital signs in a client with a seizure disorder, which of the following measures is used?
take an axillary instead of oral temperature
What is the priority nursing action when the nurse enters a client’s room and find him/her having a seizure?
remain with client and prevent injury
To provide appropriate nursing care for a client with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the nurse understands that this disease is characterized by:
progressive degeneration of the myelin sheath of the brain and spinal cord
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for the grand mal seizure patient during the postictal phase?
Provide restful environment and reorient as needed
Parkinson’s is a syndrome that consist of slowing down in the initiation and execution of movements is called________________.
(use lower case letters only.)
bradykinesia
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in patient teaching for a client with Multiple Sclerosis regarding activity?
They should not exercise to the point of fatigue
Avoid using scatter rugs.
Bed rest is indicated during an acute exacerbation