Neuro ICU Flashcards
NSICU indications
CVA
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Acquired TBI
Acquired SCI
Myasthenic Crisis
Seizures
Brain Tumors
Hydrocephalus
Multiple Sclerosis – less common
Parkinson’s Disease – less common
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – less common
STICU indications
TBI
SCI
polytrauma
neurosurgery
vs
neurology
NSGY: Consulted whenever diagnosis may warrant invasive interventions for the brain or spinal cord
Also with orthopedic injuries to SPINE
Neuro: Primary team when invasive interventions not warranted and/or when pt demo’ing significant fluctuations in neuro status
trauma vs ortho
Trauma: Primary team when admitting diagnoses is a result of trauma.
Can be involved in surgical interventions
Ortho: Consulted whenever orthopedic injury to EXTREMITIES.
Can be involved in surgical interventions.
common precautions to check
OOB status
WB status
Bracing needs
spinal
cranial
seizure
seizure precautions
close monitoring, avoid rigorous activity
skin grafts can
range from no restrictions to no AROM to NWB
CBC lab values
Should be relatively stable, with some considerations for admitting diagnosis.
Ex: hemorrhage decreased hgb/hct, increased platelets
If no further up/downtrend, usually okay to see
electrolyte panel lab values
Patients are very symptomatically sensitive to △s in Na after a neurological event
- Cognitive changes
kidney function lab values
BUN and Serum Creatinine generally stable unless relevant comorbidities present
If complications seen, tends to be more subacute/chronic stages of recovery
hypothyroid function lab values
Hypothyroidism: has been associated with signs of aortic or coronary atherosclerosis
Slowed cognitive function, ataxia, weakness, paresthesias, edema, bradycardia, CHF, HTN
hyperthyroid function lab values
Hyperthyroidism: associated with atrial fibrillation and cardioembolicstroke
Tremors, weakness/atrophy, tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypotension
acid base respiratory alkalosis lab values
Respiratory Alkalosis common sequelae of CVA (strokes)
Dizziness, paresthesias, chest pain, confusion, seizures
acid base respiratory acidosis lab values
Respiratory Acidosis common with prolonged ventilatory support and neuromuscular disease
Confusion, fatigue/somnolence, SOB
anti HTN
examples
AE
diuretics, ACEi BB, CC
hypotension!!!!
dizzy
lightheaded
fatigue
N&V
vasoconstrictors
examples
AE
midodrine
supine HTN!!!
HA
blurred vision
dizzy
seizure control or prophylaxis
examples
AE
Keppra
Agitation, aggressiveness, irritability, restlessness
Fatigue, apathy, depersonalization, depression
agitation
medications
AE
Precedex, Fentanyl, Propofol
Decreased arousal, drowsiness
Bradycardia vs tachycardia, hypotension vs hypertension, irregular heartbeat, edema
decreased arousal
meds
AE
amantadine
Blurred vision,nausea, loss of appetite, drowsiness,dizziness, lightheadedness