Neurologic System Flashcards
What are the classifications of the commonly prescribed eye drops for glaucoma?
Parasympathomimetic for pupillary constriction.
Beta-adrenergic receptor-blocking agents to inhibit formation of aqueous humor.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to reduce aqueous humor production &
Prostaglandin agonists to increase aqueous humor outflow.
Identify two types of hearing loss.
Conductive (transmission of sound to inner ear is blocked) and sensorineural (damage to eighth cranial nerve)
Write four nursing interventions for the care of the blind person and four nursing interventions for the care of the deaf person.
Care of blind: announce presence clearly, call by name, orient carefully to surroundings, guide by walking in front of client with his or her hand in your elbow.
Care of deaf: reduce distraction before beginning conversation, look and listen to client, give client full attention if he or she is a lip reader, face client directly.
In your own words, describe the Glasgow Coma Scale.
An objective assessment of the level of consciousness based on a score of 3 to 15, with scores of 7 or less indicative of coma
List four nursing diagnoses for the comatose client in order of priority. (Remember Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to help determine priorities.)
Ineffective breathing pattern, ineffective airway clearance, impaired gas exchange, and decreased cardiac output
State four independent nursing interventions to maintain adequate respiration, airway, and oxygenation in the unconscious client.
Position for maximum ventilation (prone or semiprone and slightly to one side); insert airway if tongue is obstructing; suction airway efficiently; monitor arterial PO2 and PCO2; and hyperventilate with 100% O2 before suctioning
Who is at risk for stroke?
Persons with histories of HTN, previous TIAs (transient ischemic attacks), cardiac disease (atrial flutter or fibrillation), diabetes, or oral contraceptive use; and older adults
Complications of immobility include the potential for thrombus development. State three nursing interventions to prevent thrombi.
Frequent range-of-motion exercises, frequent (every 2 hours) position changes, and avoidance of positions that decrease venous return.
List four rationales for the appearance of restlessness in the unconscious patient.
Anoxia (absence of oxygen), distended bladder, covert bleeding (hidden), or a return to consciousness
What nursing interventions prevent corneal drying in a comatose client?
Irrigation of eyes PRN with sterile prescribed solution, application of opthalmic ointment every 8 hours, close assessment for corneal ulceration or drying
When can a comatose client on IV hyperalimentation (intravenous feedings) begin to receive tube feedings instead?
When peristalsis resumes as evidenced by active bowel sounds, passage of flatus (gas) or bowel movement
What is the most important principle in a bowel management program for a client with neurologic deficits?
Establishment of regularity
Define stroke.
A disruption of blood supply to a part of the brain, which results in sudden loss of brain function
A client with a diagnosis of stroke presents with symptoms of aphasia (loss of ability to understand or express speech) and right hemiparesis (weakness on one side of body) but no memory or hearing deficit. In what hemisphere has the client suffered a lesion?
Left
What are the symptoms of spinal shock (loss of neurological activity include loss of motor, sensory, reflex and autonomic function)?
Hypotension, bladder and bowel distention, total paralysis, lack of sensation below lesion
