Neuro Part One Content Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of the nurse’s initial Neurological evaluation?
A. To determine all deficits
B. To diagnose the patient as quickly as possible
C. To obtain a baseline
D. To gather information to chart
Answer: C
Which of the following are required for normal brain function? SATA
A. Glucose
B. Insulin
C. Protein
D. Oxygen
Answer: A, D
T/F: the brain has stores of Glucose for energy usage
False
During your neurological evaluation you find your patient’s pupils are small and sluggish. This is a sign of which abnormality?
A. Early Cerebral Herniation
B. Increased ICP
C. Brain stem injury
D. Decerebrate posturing
Answer: B
During your neurological evaluation you notice only one of your patient’s pupils is constricting with light. What do you suspect?
A. Early Cerebral Herniation
B. Increased ICP
C. Brain stem injury
D. Decorticate posturing
Answer: A
What is your major concern with a patient who presents with bilateral pupil dilation.
A. Early Cerebral Herniation
B. Increased ICP
C. Brain Stem Injury
D. Decerebrate Posturing
Answer: C
Your patient presents with an abnormal breathing pattern that is becoming progressively deeper and faster with frequent periods of apnea. What do you suspect from this assessment?
A. Minor Brain Damage
B. Severe Brain Injury
C. Brain Death
D. Concussion
Answer: B
Rationale: This is Cheyne Stokes Breathing and is a sign of progressive respiratory failure due to brain injury
Your pt has suffered a brain injury due to severe, untreated, anemia. Which type of brain injury is this?
A. Hypoxic
B. Ischemic
Answer: A
Rationale: There is blood flow to the brain but a decrease in oxygen related to the anemia.
Which of the following are RF for increased ICP? SATA
A. Stroke
B. Brain Tumor
C. Decreased BP
D. Hydrocephalus
E. Myocardial Infarction
Answer: A, B, D
Which of the following are late signs of increased ICP? SATA
A. Small sluggish pupils
B. Bradycardia
C. Abnormal respirations
D. Coma
E. Increased Alertness and Anxiety
Answer: B,C,D
Brain herniation is a major concern with increased ICP. What makes this so dangerous?
A. Loss of consciousness
B. Loss of CV and Respiratory control due to Brain stem involvement
C. Persistent headache
D. Increased HR
Answer: B
After being tackled a football player suffered from a short period of unconsciousness. What do you suspect?
A. Concussion
B. Post Concussion Syndrome
C. Basilar Skull Fracture
D. Bacterial Meningitis
Answer: A
At a follow up visit three weeks post-concussion a pt complains of a persistent headache and forgetfulness. What do you suspect?
A. This is normal after a concussion
B. Post concussion syndrome
C. Basilar Skull Fracture
D. Epidural Hematoma
Answer: B
After a bad fall your patient presents with periorbital ecchymosis and otorrhea. What do you suspect?
A. Concussion
B. Subdural Hematoma
C. Basilar Skull Fracture
D. Epidural Hematoma
Answer: C
What are the defining characteristics of a Subdural hematoma? SATA
A. Periods of consciousness and unconsciousness
B. Slower bleed with delayed presentation
C. Tear in small bridging veins
D. Artery tear
Answer: B, C
Rationale: Subdural bleeds occur in the venous system which has LOW pressure. This results in a slower bleed with delayed onset
