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NREMT® Paramedic > EMT-P (4) Medical > Neurologic Emergencies > Flashcards

Neurologic Emergencies Flashcards

Explore the neurological system and the prehospital emergencies within

1
Q

What is the function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

A
  • thought
  • perception
  • feeling
  • autonomic body functions

Composed of the brain, brainstem and spinal cord.

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2
Q

What is the function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

A

It transmits commands from the brain to the body and receives feedback from the body.

It is composed of the cranial nerves and peripheral nerves.

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3
Q

Define:

efferent nerves

A

These are nerves that transmit commands from the brain to the body.

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4
Q

Define:

afferent nerves

A

These are nerves that send signals to the brain.

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5
Q

Describe the function.

diencephalon

A

It filters unneeded information.

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6
Q

Describe the function.

midbrain

A

It regulates level of consciousness.

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7
Q

Describe the function.

brainstem

A

It controls pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and pattern.

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8
Q

Describe the function.

pons

A

It controls respiratory rate and depth.

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9
Q

Describe the function.

medulla oblongata

A

It controls pressure and pulse rate.

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10
Q

Describe the function.

limbic system

A

It generates rage and anger.

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11
Q

Describe the function.

hypothalamus

A

It controls pleasure, thirst and, hunger.

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12
Q

Describe the function.

pituitary glands

A

Receives information from the hypothalamus and releases chemicals to the adrenal glands to release norepinephrine and epinephrine.

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13
Q

Describe the function.

adrenal glands

A

It releases epinephrine and norepinephrine.

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14
Q

Describe the function.

cerebellum

A

It controls complex motor activity.

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15
Q

Describe the function.

synapse

A

It connects to cells by neurotransmitters.

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16
Q

Give examples of neurotransmitters.

A
  • dopamine
  • acetylcholine
  • epinephrine
  • serotonin
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17
Q

Fill in the blank.

The bridge that connects the synapse is called a(n) ______.

A

axon

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18
Q

What is myelin?

A

A sheath that surrounds the nerve cell.

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19
Q

Define:

Cushing’s triad

A
  • decreased HR
  • irregular RR
  • widened pulse pressure
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20
Q

Where can I find key Brainscape advice on how to pass the NREMT Paramedic exam and overcome common test prep challenges?

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21
Q

Define:

trismus

A

Clenched teeth.

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22
Q

Describe:

decorticate posturing

A
  • Arms contracted to the chest
  • Toes pointed inward
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23
Q

Describe:

decerebrate posturing

A
  • Arms and wrists contracted outwards
  • Toes pointed inwards
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24
Q

Study and memorize the GCS chart.

This chart will be referenced multiple times throughout the NREMT.

A
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25
What are **delusions**?
These are thoughts or perceived abilities that are **not realistic**.
26
# Define: psychosis
The patient cannot tell the difference between **reality** and what's in their **mind**.
27
# Fill in the blank. Tapping between the eyes to check for a **gag reflex** is known as the ***_\_\_\_\_* reflex**.
corneal
28
# Fill in the blank. A patient's **pupillary response** should be **\_\_\_\_\_\_** when relaxed and **\_\_\_\_\_** when excited.
constricted, dilated
29
# Define: agnosia
Inability to **recognize or identify** objects, people, sounds, shapes, or smells, despite having intact sensory function.
30
# Define: apraxia
Inability to **perform** learned movements or gestures, even though there is no paralysis or weakness.
31
# Define: receptive aphasia
Unable to **understand** speech. ## Footnote Can speak clearly.
32
# Define: expressive aphasia
Unable to **speak** clearly. ## Footnote Can understand speech.
33
# Define: global aphasia
Unable to **talk** _or_ **understand**.
34
# Define: hemiparesis
**Weakness** on **one side** of the body.
35
# Define: hemiplegia
**Paralysis** on **one side** of the body.
36
What is **gait?**
It refers to the manner of **walking** or **moving** on foot. ## Footnote Typically abnormal in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
37
# Define: ataxia
It refers to the inability to perform **coordinated motions**. ## Footnote Eg. walking, scratching their face.
38
What occurs during the **myoclonus** phase of a seizure?
Involuntary **rapid muscle jerking**.
39
# Define: dystonia
A movement disorder where a **body part contracts and remains contracted**. ## Footnote Treatment is diphenhydramine for a dystonic reaction.
40
Where can I **watch a video** or **listen to a podcast** of these NREMT Paramedic questions?
[Brainscape's NREMT Exam Prep YouTube playlist](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoiOU0g-fkbvkFtf8ocp4HhE1Jcl3P1xO) [Brainscape's NREMT Exam Prep Podcast](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2387872) | Rate this card a five if you don't need to see it again.
41
Describe the **tonic phase** of a seizure.
The body is **rigid**.
42
Describe the **hypertonic** phase of a seizure.
The body is **rigid** with an **_arched back_**.
43
# Define: paresthesia
An abnormal sensation, such as tingling, prickling, or numbness. ## Footnote It is typically felt in the hands, feet, arms, or legs.
44
What are the two types of **strokes**?
* **Ischemic** (75%) * **Hemmorrhagic** (25%)
45
What causes an **ischemic stroke**?
An **occlusion** or blockage within the brain **(thrombus)**.
46
What causes a **hemorrhagic stroke**?
A **bleed** within the intracranial cavity. ## Footnote It is caused by traumatic injury or rupture.
47
# Assessment: stroke
* **Language** - slurred speech, aphasia, apraxia * **Movement** - hemiparesis, hemiplegia, arm drift, facial droop, ataxia * **Sensory** - headache, blurred vision * **Cognitive** - LOC, seizures, coma * **Cardiac** - hypertension
48
# Treatment: stroke
* Maintain BP at least **110-120** * Slight hyperventilation at **16-20 bpm** if signs of herniation * HOB **30°** * Draw **labs** if available * Fluid bolus for **hypotension** * MAP maintained **\>65mmHg**
49
What is the goal of **tPA** times for a stroke? | Tissue Plasminogen Activator
< 3 hours
50
# Describe: transient ischemic attack
Episodes of **cerebral ischemia** that **self-resolve**.
51
# Describe: presentation of **tonic/clonic seizures**
Wide spread body movement/involvement.
52
# Describe: presentation of **absence seizures**
**Little to no movement** that involves a **select body part**. | Petit Mal ## Footnote Eyes, fingers, eyelids, toes, feet.
53
What are **pseudoseizures?**
Psychological *"fake"* seizures.
54
# Define: Jacksonian march
**Localized** seizure that spreads throughout the body.
55
# Describe: presentation of a **partial seizure**
**Localized** to one part of the body.
56
What is classified as **status epilepticus**?
* A seizure that lasts longer than **4 to 5 minutes**. * **Consecutive seizures** without relief.
57
# Treatment: migraine headaches
* **Toradol** 30mg * **Demrerol** 25mg * **Morphine** 2-4mg * **Fentanyl** 25mcg * **Zofran** 4mg * **Phenegran** 12.5-25mg
58
# Define: dementia
Chronic deterioration of: * memory * personality * language skills * perception * reasoning
59
What is the cause of **Wernicke encephalopathy**?
Lack of vitamin **B1**. ## Footnote Typically seen in alcoholism.
60
# Define: neoplasms
**Abnormal growths** within the body. ## Footnote Benign or malignant.
61
# Define metastasis
The process of **cancer cells moving to different locations**.
62
# Define: multiple sclerosis | (MS)
An autoimmune disorder that attacks the **myelin sheaths** of the brain and spinal cord.
63
# Assessment multiple sclerosis
* Nystagmus * Impairment of pain, touch and sensory * **Lhermitte sign** - *experiencing electrical sensation when head is flexed forward*.
64
# Define: Gillian-Barré syndrome
The immune system attacks the **nervous system** and **paralysis** begins in the feet and works up towards the head.
65
# Define: Lou Gehrig disease | (ALS)
A disease that affects **voluntary neurons**.
66
# Define: Parkinson's disease
A progressive **neurological disorder** that affects movement. It is characterized by tremors, stiffness, slow movements, and balance problems. ## Footnote **Past injuries of the brain** can cause disassociation of neurons.
67
# Define: bradykinesia
Patient takes **small steps** when turning.
68
# Define: dystonia
**Severe muscle cramps** that cause abnormal contractions or postures.
69
# Fill in the blank. **Trigeminal neuroglia** is a stabbing/shocking pain in the face that involves cranial nerve **\_\_\_**.
V
70
# Define: Ménière's disease
An **increase** of fluid in the inner ear.
71
What is the typical cause of encephalitis?
Herpes simplex virus
72
What sign is present if a patient is **unable to straighten their legs** when the hips are flexed?
Kernig sign
73
What is **hydrocephalus**?
The **body produces enough CSF**, but can not rid of it fast enough.
74
What is **Spina Bifida**?
A part of the spine remains **outside** of the body.
75
What causes **Cerebral Palsy**?
Damage done to **frontal lobe** of the brain.
76
# Treatment: Wernicke encephalopathy
**Thiamine** 100-200mg IVP
77
What sign is present when a patient has **flexed knees** when you flex their neck?
Brudzinski sign

EMT-P (4) Medical (8 decks)

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