neurologic disorders

Question 1

Intracranial vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation

Answer 1

migraine headaches

Question 2

migraine headaches are triggered by

Answer 2

Triggered by menstruation, ovulation, alcohol, some foods, stress

Question 3

mi grain headaches pain is

Answer 3

Pain usually unilateral, often begins in the temple or eye area and is very intense

Question 4

other s/s of migraine headaches are

Answer 4

Tearing and nausea and vomiting may occur

Hypersensitive to light and sound; prefers dark, quiet environment

Question 5

migraine headaches are treated with

Answer 5

Mild migraines treated with acetaminophen or aspirin; severe ones with ergotamine (Cafergot) or sumatriptan (Imitrex) tablet or autoinjector for self-injection

Question 6

Occur in a series of episodes followed by a long period with no symptoms

Answer 6

cluster headache

Question 7

cluster headache pain is usually related to

Answer 7

stress and anxiety and usually have no warning symptoms

Question 8

treatment of cluster headache include

Answer 8

Treatment may include cold application, indomethacin (Indocin), and tricyclic antidepressants

Question 9

Result from prolonged muscle contraction from anxiety, stress, or stimuli from other sources, such as a brain tumor or an abscessed tooth

Answer 9

tension headache

Question 10

tension headache s/s including pain

Answer 10

Pain location may vary; may have nausea and vomiting, dizziness, tinnitus, or tearing

Question 11

treatment for tension headache include

Answer 11

Treatment: correction of known causes, psychotherapy, massage, heat application, and relaxation techniques

Question 12

medication treatment for tension headache

Answer 12

Analgesics, usually nonopioid, may be prescribed to reduce anxiety

Question 13

An uncontrolled discharge of neurons in the cerebral cortex, interferes with normal CNS function, altering sensation/movement/perception or consciousness

Answer 13

Seizure Disorder

Question 14

Epilepsy is

Answer 14

recurrent seizures, not a disease but a CNS disorder

Question 15

Electrical impulses in the brain are conducted in a

Answer 15

highly chaotic pattern that yields abnormal activity and behavior

Question 16

seizure disorder is related to

Answer 16

Related to trauma, reduced cerebral perfusion, infection, electrolyte disturbances, poisoning, or tumors

Question 17

medical diagnosis of seizure disorder

Answer 17

Accurate history of the seizure disorder

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Question 18

Part of one cerebral hemisphere; consciousness not impaired

Answer 18

partial seizure (simple)

Question 19

Consciousness impaired; may exhibit bizarre behavior

Answer 19

partial seizure (complex)

Question 20

Generalized seizure involve what?

and types

Answer 20

Involve the entire brain from the onset
Consciousness lost during the ictal (seizure) period
Types: tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic, and atonic

Question 21

Status epilepticus

Answer 21

Medical emergency: continuous seizures or repeated seizures in rapid succession for 30 minutes or more

Question 22

Aura

Answer 22

Dizziness, numbness, visual or hearing disturbance, noting an offensive odor, or pain may precede a seizure

Question 23

medical treatment for seizure disorders

Answer 23

Resolution of the underlying condition

Anticonvulsant drug therapy

Question 24

surgical treatment of seizure disorder

Answer 24

Removal of seizure foci in the temporal lobe and pallidotomy (removal of the globus pallidus of the brain) or vagal nerve stimulator

Question 25

Assessment

Answer 25

Describe the seizure episode (time it); including the postictal period (following the seizure); aura just before onset of seizure; eyes deviating to a particular side; or blinking; Irregular breathing with spasms; LOC with tonic-clonic muscular contractions; orientation to time, place; P/A drowsiness; lack of coordination; and document drug therapy administered

Question 26

Risk for Injury

Answer 26

Side rails of bed up and padded, suction machine readily available, bed maintained in the low position
Quickly move objects away from the patient
Do not attempt to restrain the patient

Question 27

Ineffective Coping and Deficient Knowledge

Answer 27

Teach family and patient about the seizure disorder and the therapy
Teaching must be directed toward helping the patient and family adjust to a chronic condition
Encourage questions and concerns

Question 28

Lacerations, contusions, abrasions, and hematomas

Answer 28

Scalp injuries

Question 29

Trauma with no visible injury to the skull or brain; Mild brain injury; LOC (loss of consciousness) <5 min; Headache, dizziness, n/v, amnesia

Answer 29

Concussion

Question 30

Bruising and bleeding in the brain tissue; symptoms determined by area involved; when brain stem affected causes loc, respirations, pupil reaction, motor response to stimuli can be affected

Answer 30

Contusion

Question 31

Subdural hematoma or epidural hematom; symptoms occur up to 24 hr post-injury; Bleed occurs b/w dura mater and arachnoid membranes; forgetful, irritable, lethargic, can develop hemiparesis and HA

Answer 31

Hematoma

Question 32

From lesions within the tissue of the brain itself

Answer 32

Intracerebral hemorrhage

Question 33

Sharp objects penetrate the skull and brain tissue

Answer 33

Penetrating injuries

Question 34

Directed at evacuating hematomas and débriding damaged tissue

Answer 34

Surgical treatment

Question 35

nursing interventions for head injury

Answer 35

LOC, VS, movement and strength, PERRLA, HA, visual disturbance, vomiting, seizures, respiratory depression, I & O, inspect dressing for bleeding and/or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF classic appearance pink stain surrounded by a lighter ring), HOB elevated at all times, neuro checks as prescribed by Dr or surgeon, report changes immediately!
wake every hour during noc

Question 36

risk factors for brain tumors

Answer 36

Some congenital; others may be related to heredity
Drug/environmental factors may play a role in development
Abnormal mass found in brain resulting from unregulated cells growth & division
Primary (non-cancerous, but malignant) or Secondary (metastasis from cancer)
Primary classified by tissue origin: gliomas, meningiomas, astrocytomas
Can cause compression of blood vessels, producing ischemia & increased ICP

Question 37

s/s of brain tumors

Answer 37

Directly related to area of brain invaded by the tumor
Tumor in any area: deficits in cerebral function, headache, and visual disturbances
Tumor in frontal lobe: aphasia, memory loss, personality changes
Tumor in temporal lobe: aphasia, seizures
Tumor in parietal lobe: motor seizures, sensory impairment
Tumor in occipital lobe: homonymous hemianopsia, visual hallucinations, visual impairment
Tumor in cerebellum: impaired coordination, impaired equilibrium
Most common new-onset finding: auras, seizure activity or difficulties with balance and coordination

Question 38

medical treatment of brain tumors

Answer 38

Surgery often followed by radiation with or without

chemotherapy

Question 39

Inflammation of the meningeal coverings of the brain and spinal cord caused by either viruses or bacteria

Answer 39

Meningitis

Question 40

Meningitis s/s

Answer 40

Headache, nuchal rigidity (stiffness of the back of the neck), irritability, diminished level of consciousness, photophobia (sensitivity to light), hypersensitivity, and seizure activity
Positive Kernig’s sign and Brudzinski’s sign

Question 41

medical diagnosis of menigitis

Answer 41

Lumbar puncture to obtain CSF for lab analysis

Question 42

when reflex contraction and pain in the hamstring (tendons that for the medial and lateral boundaries of the popliteal space) muscles when attempting to extend the leg after flexing the thigh upon the body

Answer 42

Kernig’s sign

Question 43

flexion of the hips when the neck

is flexed from a supine position

Answer 43

Brudzinski’s sign

Question 44

medical treatment for meningitis

Answer 44

Bacterial infections usually respond to antimicrobial therapy, but no specific drugs effective against most viral infections
Anticonvulsants used to control seizure activity if necessary

Question 45

nursing assessment for meningitis

Answer 45

Assess vital signs and neurologic status frequently to determine further deterioration or onset of complications