Neurology 3- Exam 2 Flashcards
How are brain tumors classified?
Location & histologic characteristics
What are the types of PRIMARY brain tumors?
-Gliomas
-Meningiomas
-Acoustic neuromas
-Pituitary adenomas
What other types of brain tumors are there?
Angiomas
Metastatic tumors
What is a glioma?
tumor of brain or spine (intracerebral)
What is a meningioma?
encapsulated tumor- usually benign
What is an acoustic neuroma?
tumor affecting CN VIII- affects hearing & balance
What is a pituitary adenoma?
tumor common in women of childbearing age, rarely malignant
What are angiomas?
masses of abnormal blood vessels
What are some sx of ^ ICP?
-HA
-vomiting
-visual disturbances
-seizures
What kind of effects would a pituitary adenoma have?
Hormonal (prolactin, GH, ACTH- cushings)
What is a common type of brain tumor of the brainstem?
Astrocytoma
What is a common type of brain tumor of the acoustic nerve?
Neuroma
What are common brain tumors of the pineal area? (2)
Pineocytoma
Pineoblastoma
What is the most helpful diagnostic evaluation of brain tumors?
MRI
What are examples of diagnostic evaluations of brain tumors?
-Neurologic examination
-CT scan
-MRI
-PET scan
-EEG
-Cytologic study of CSF
-Biopsy
What are the 2 different goals of sx for brain tumors?
- removal w/ out ^ neurologic symptoms
- relieve symptoms by decompression
What is the cornerstone tx for many brain tumors?
Radiation therapy
What does chemotherapy do for brain tumors?
^ survival time
Why is pharmacologic therapy used for some brain tumors?
Secreting tumors- meds that suppress hormones
What are the classifications of spinal cord tumors?
-Intramedullary
-Extramedullary
-Extramedullary-extradural
Where is an intramedullary tumor located?
within the spinal cord
Where is an extra medullary tumor located?
intradural; w/in or under the spinal dura
Where is an extra medullary-extradural tumor located?
outside the dural membrane
What are C.M. of spinal cord tumors?
-Pain
-Weakness
-Loss of motor function
-Loss of reflexes
-Loss of sensation
After removal of a spinal cord tumor, what should the nurse be on the lookout for?
CSF leakage
What should be the #1 goal for pts w/ brain tumors?
Independence for as long as possible
Definition: slow, progressive neurologic movement disorder associated w/ decreased levels of dopamine
Parkinson’s disease
What are the cardinal C.M. of Parkinson’s?
-Tremor
-Rigidity
-Bradykinesia
What are some other C.M. of Parkinson’s?
-postural instability
-orthostatic hypotension
-gastric & urinary retention
-dysphagia
-psychiatric changes
What neurotransmitter is increased in Parkinson’s?
Acetylcholine
What is the main pharmacologic tx for Parkinson’s?
Levodopa
Does Parkinson’s eventually lead to disability?
Yes
Definition: A chronic progressive hereditary disease that results in choreiform (jerking) movement & dementia.
Huntington disease
Definition: Restlessness, an urgent need to move around, and agitation.
Akathisia
Definition: very slow, voluntary movements & speech.
Bradykinesia
Definition: impaired ability to execute voluntary movements.
Dyskinesia
Definition: a sensation of numbness or tingling or a “pins & needles” sensation.
Parasthesia
Condition: loss of motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord & loss of motor nuclei of the lower brainstem.
Lou Gehrig disease/Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
What condition has C.M. of progressive weakness & atrophy of muscle cramps, twitching, & lack of coordination. Most common cause of death is respiratory failure.
ALS
Condition: incurable disorders characterized by progressive weakening & wasting of skeletal & voluntary muscles.
Muscular dystrophies
Scoliosis is considered what type of condition?
Muscular dystrophy
What condition is prevented by proper body mechanics & exercises to strengthen the back?
Degenerative Disc Disease
What are some interventions aimed at improving mobility in Parkinson’s pts?
-Progressive daily exercise
-Stretching & ROM
-Postural exercises
-PT
-Walking techniques for safety & balance
-Frequent rest periods
-Proper shoes
-Use of assistive devices
Who can help with nursing intervention: enhancing self-care activities?
Home health & OT
How can family get a break for a pt. w/ Parkinson’s?
Respite care
What is an anticholinergic medication used to treat Parkinson disease?
Benztropine mesylate
What would be considered a medical emergency in a pt. that has undergone a cervical discectomy?
Bowel or Bladder dysfunction (cord compression)
What is the most common cause of dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease
Definition: a disease of the spinal nerve root, often resulting in pain & extreme sensitivity to touch.
Radiculopathy
