Neurological Disorders Flashcards
Incomplete closure of the spinal column
Spina Bifida
Small dimple at the lower back
Spina bifida oculta
Sac like cyst; contains meninges and spinal fluid
Meningocele
Herniated sac of meninges, spinal fluid, and portion of the spinal cord and nerves
Meningomyelocele
Deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy
Spina Bifida
Excess cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the subarachnoid space
Hydrocephalus
Excess cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the subarachnoid space
Hydricephalus
Impaired absorption within the subarachnoid space
Communicating Hydrocephalus
Obstruction of cerebrospinal flow within the ventricular system
Non-communicating Hydrocephalus
Use of an egg crate mattress
Hydrocephalus Preoperative Intervention
Intervention for when the patient has increased ICP; this enhances gravity flow through the shunt
Elevate the head 15-30 degrees
Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
Meningitis
Inflammation of the brain
Encephalitis
A symptom of meningitis or encephalitis characterized by the inability to extend the leg when the thigh is flexed anteriorly at the hip
Kernig’s Sign
A symptom of meningitis or encephalitis characterized by neck flexion that causes adduction and flexion movements of the lower extremities
Brudzinki Sign
Sign and symptoms of meningitis and encephalitis that affects the neck
Nuchal rigidity
Drug of choice for meningitis or encephalitis
Penicillin G
This is the first nursing intervention for a child admitted with meningitis or encephalitis
Isolate the child
Lack of control of the voluntary muscles; abnormal muscle tone and incoordination
Cerebral Palsy
Cortex is affected; scissor-like gait
Spastic
Basal ganglia is affected; results in uncoordinated involuntary motion
Athetoid
Cerebellum is affected; results in poor balance and difficulty with muscle coordination
Ataxic
Chromosome aberration characterized by trisomy 21
Down Syndrome
Facial characteristics of a child with down syndrome
Wide gap between the eyes, flat nose large tongue
Abnormal single horizontal line on the palm of the hand
Simean crease
white specks in the iris of the eye; an assessment of a child with down syndrome
Brushfield’s spots
