neuro Flashcards
define glasgow coma scale
a scale that measures the degree or level on consciousness.
used to assess the level of consciousness or has the potential of altered consciousness.
three responses of the glasgow coma scale
- eye opening
- motor response
- verbal response
we like to have a number ranging from ___ for the glasgow coma scale.
13-15. 15 is the best score
never will be 0. at least 3
what is included in a neuro assessment?
glasgow coma scale
pupillary changes (normal pupil size 2-6) PERRLA
hand grips/lift legs/ pushing strenght of feet
reflex assessment (babinski reflex)
___ is always the #1 with neuro assessment.
LOC
babinski reflex
normal in a child up to 1 yr.
abnormal in an adult!
the adult or child greater then one year should have a planter reflex or curling or the toes when the bottom of the foot is stroked.
what does it mean if the adult has a present babinski reflex or faning on the toes when you stroke the bottom on the foot?
a severe problem in the central nervous system. (tumor or lesion on the brain or spinal cord, MS, lou gehrig’s disease)
a normal reflex response would be documented as ___.
2+/4+
will you need the client to sign a consent form prior to the test when using dye? (CT scan)
YES
CT takes pictures in slices(layers), head still, no talking.
MRI:
is dye used?
mri is better than ct. mri picks up on a problem earlier.
NO DYE. no radiation. a magnet is used.
cerebral angiography:
will a consent form be needed? why?
xray of cerebral circulation through the femoral artery.
yes signed consent because they are using dye
when cerebral angiography , what should you tell the patients?
they will have a warmth in the face and a metallic taste.
post procedure for cerebral angiography?
bed rest 4-6 hrs.
watch for bleeding at the femoral artery
embolus (embolus will go to brain bc of this… changes in loc, one sided weakness, paralysis, motor/sensory deficits)
***baseline neuro assessment before they go for procedure.
EEG helps to diagnose…
seizure disorders and evaluate the types of seizures occuring.
evaluates loss of consciousness and dementia
screening procedure for coma
indicator of brain death
used to diagnose sleep disorders
whats the one test we dont want client to be NPO
EEG
pre procedure of eeg
hold sedatives (decrease electricity in brain), no caffeine, not NPO (drops blood sugar)
how should a client be positioned with lumbar puncture?
back arched up!!
leaning on table or side lying fetal position
post procedure for lumbar puncture?
lie flat or prone for 2-3 hours
increase fluid to replace lost spinal fluid
HA most common complication
life threatening complication of lumbar punction?
brain herniation (with known increased ICP, a lumbar puncture is contraindicated)
meningitis