Neuro part 2 Flashcards
What are Neural Tube Defects?
How many types are there?
Incomplete closures of the vertebrae and neural tubes
3
Cause of Neural Tube Defects?
Unknown but could be genetic, from lack of folic acid, or viral organism.
Three types of Neural Tube Defects?
Spina Bifida
Meningocele
Myelomeningocele
Spina Bifida
A defect in development of spine and bone that can’t be seen other than a tuft of hair, dimple, but nothing obvious
- could go years without diagnoses
Meningocele
How is it repaired?
What part of the back do these occur most often?
Defect bulge in the vertebrae that is a little more obvious with pouching due to vertebrae not closing. No nerve tissue involved though.
Surgical repair is needed
Low back
Myelomineningocele
Repair?
What part of the back do these occur most often?
Defect of spine increases with the nerves being involved with the pouching.
Surgical repair here too
Diet reason for the three Neural tubal defects?
Foods with folic acid?
How do they make sure mom gets the folic acid?
Not getting enough folic acid
Breads, grain , cereals
Prenatal vitamins
Which neural tube defects have bulging/pouching?
What does the pouch pose a risk to?
First most foremost nursing goal for these?
Meningocele
Myelomineningocele
Infection risk bc the back is open
Nerve damage
Protect the sac!
What do you use to cover the sac pouch for neural tube defects like meningocele and myelomeningocele?
how to make sure you’re prepared?
wet/sterile dressing to maintain sterile and protect from infection
- this is especially important due to proximity of poop
- saline should be in warmer so it is ready
What positioning do we put infant in for meningocele and myelomeningocele?
Why does surgery take so long?
Prone position or on tummy to keep them from rolling onto the sac until recovered
Surgery can only happen 16-18 hours later bc they hav to to know the extension of the problem
- how much tissue, nerves, other defects (bc midline defects means other defects are likely)
When there is a neural tube defect going on , why do we check for other defects?
Bc if it is midline, there’s likely more defects.
With meningocele and myelomeningocele care what do we need to monitor for neurologically? And why?
Hydrocephalus and ICP due to spinal fluid not being able to drain from ventricles as it is supposed to or the fluid is being reabsorbed
- need to know which one tho in order to treat it
What allergy related to neural tube defects is common?
What education do we need to give?
Latex allergy
- although it is usually found before birth
No balloons or other forms of latex
After neural tube operation, what do we need to be careful about with the wound?
Be very gentle since the skin was pulled together to close the opening and it is tight
What post op position for neural tube defects does the infant need to be in ?
Prone positioning after surgery as well
Types of dressing changes to prevent infection post op neural tube operation?
What else can keep infection from occurring?
Sterile dressing changes
Maintain the skin’s integrity
Keep the diaper open
Monitor for infection signs
Why will a post op neural tube defect patient need a catheter? What to monitor for ?
They won’t be able to urinate
- this won’t go away btw so educate
Monitor for UTI
- due to catheter
What is the reason post op neural tube defect patients need PT?
Due to the lack of control below the defect and paralysis
- includes the bowl and bladder
What is Hydrocephalus?
Cerebrospinal fluid accumulating in brain from an imbalance between production and absorption
Classifications of Hydrocephalus?
How many types are there?
Congenital - neural tube defect or brain malformation
Acquired - infections and scarring
3 types and don’t confuse them with classification
Types of Hydrocephalus
What do all these cause?
Non-communicating
Communicating
Increased CSF production
Causes too much ICP from the fluid building up
Explain Non-communicating Hydrocephalus
Ventricles being obstructed
What is Communicating Hydropcephalus
Absorption problem in subarachnoid space
Increased CSF production cause of Hydrocephalus explanation
Rare tumor of choroid plexus causing increased production
What does Hydrocephalus affect?
Blood flow and thus oxygenation
Internal pressure ulcers and damage
How do they mainly treat and manage Hydrocephalus?
Surgical method
- Ventriculostomy
- Shunt
What is a Ventriculostomy surgery for Hydrocephalus?
Surgically perforating the wall of the third ventricle to drain CSF into interpenduncular cistern
Types of shunts they can do for surgical repair of Hydrocephalus?
Ventriculoperitoneal - located in the peritoneal cavity and most common bc of flexibility
Centriculoatrial - rt atrium location
Ventriculopleural - chest location
Lumbo-peritoneal - only for communicating hydropecephalus
Main concerns with the use of shunt for Hydrocephalus?
ICP due to occlusion
Infection from foreign object
What is an extra ventricular drain?
Risks?
But why use it?
External shunt
infection risk and make sure you know how stopcocks work so you don’t turn the wrong way
keep ports covered d
It measures pressure. Levels with trachea and cartilage.
What is Meningitis?
CNS infection (viral, bacterial , TB) - the type of organism will drive the treatment
Cause of Meningitis?
1) Vascular dissemination or travels through blood from somewhere else in the body
- most common
2) Implantation after trauma
3) Anatomic abnormality
What does the Meningitis cause?
Inflammation, edema, ICP and damage to brain tissue
Treatment for meningitis?
Depends on the agent
Viral: supportive
Bacterial : treatable with med s