Neuromuscular Flashcards
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trauma involving central nervous system affects
brain and spinal cord
intracranial pressure increased by
bleeding and swelling
intracranial pressure can lead to
vasoconstriction, ischemia possibly CVA
CT vs MRI
CT (high speed X ray) always used first, MRI longer process so patient must be stable
brian injury or hypoxia/ischemia dangerous b/c
brain has inability to store oxygen and glucose
brain focused assessment:
- altered level of consciousness/LOC
- confusion
- abnormal pupils (change in response to light)
- sudden onset of neurologic deficits
- changes in VS
VS changes
- altered respiratory pattern
- widened pulse pressure
- bradycardia
- tachycardia
- hypothermia
- hyperthermia
altered LOC signs
- not oriented
- does not follow commands
- needs stimuli to achieve state of alertness
myelin definition
fat and protein that surrounds certain nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord
demyelination causes
impaired transmission of nerve impulses
multiple sclerosis definition
chronic disease of CNS, degeneration and loss of myelin in brain, spinal cord and cerebrum.
progressive stage of MS
nerve impulses completely blocked
clinical manifestations of MS; motor
- weakness/fatigue
- paralysis
- diplopia / double vision
- spastic muscles
- ataxia
clinical manifestations of MS: sensory
- numbness/tingling
- vertigo
- tinnitus
- sporadic blindness
clinical manisfestations of MS: other
- chronic pain
- emotional instability
- bladder dysfunction
voluntary motor system; 2 types of neurons
upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron
upper motor neurons: pathway and location
descending motor pathways, located entirely within CNS
upper motor neurons: role
modulate activity of lower motor neurons
lower motor neurons: location
CNS and PNS
lower motor neurons: begin and end points
spinal cord to muscle
lower motor neurons: responsibility
all voluntary movement/muscle contraction
upper motor neuron lesions vs lower motor neuron lesions: weakness and tone
UMN lesions - weakness distal/below point of injury (T4 or above)
UMN lesions - spastic
LMN lesions - weakness at point of peripheral nerve root
LNM lesions - flaccid tone
multiple sclerosis MS cure?
no
ataxia is
impaired balance or coordination
MS and the immune system
the immune system degrades the protective protein coating of nerves
interferons: definition
treat MS, naturally made by body to control immune system
interferon beta medication goal for MS:
reduce exacerbations (ataxia, bladder problems, etc) and slow disease progression
interferon beta drugs: 2 types
beta - 1a (Avonex) intramuscular injection
beta - 1b (Betaseron) subq injection
interferon drug side effects
flu symptoms so administer at night
drug reduces the rate of relapse of RR in MS patients
glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)
Myasthenia Gravis definiton
autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction
myasthenia gravis characteristics:
fatigue and varying degrees of weakness of voluntary muscles
acetylcholine ACh and muscle contraction
ACh attaches to nerves at neuromuscular junction and stimulates muscle contraction
myasthenia gravis and ACh
antibodies/immune system limit number of ACh receptor sites so voluntary muscle weakness, weaker muscle contractions
myasthenia gravis fluctuating muscle weakness intensifies
with physical activity/exercise
myasthenia gravis fluctuating muscle weakness improves with
rest
myasthenia gravis diagnostic tests: 2
acetylcholine/ACh test for ACh in serum
tensilon test - edrophonium IV given and muscle strength is assessed after IV
myasthenia gravis clinical manifestations
occular - ptosis (drooping eyelids), diplopia (double vision)
nursing management of MG
improve function and reduce antibodies
myasthenia gravis thymus and diaphragm
?
skeletal muscles control
eyes, facial expression, swallowing, breathing
skeletal muscles strength during day
strongest in morning, weaker afternoon, etc
myasthenia gravis first line medication
anticholinesterase inhibitors - Mestinon, inhibit breakdown of ACh so can bind at neuromuscular junction and enable muscle contraction
myasthenia gravis second line medication
immunosuppressants - reduce production of antibody
corticosteroids role in MG
suppress immune system / inflammation
surgery for MG
thymectomy - all or partial removal of Thymus
nursing management of MG
chronic disease, patient seen on outpatient basis, patient and family teaching, medication management, energy conservation, aspiration risk when eating
MG complications
Cholinergic Crisis - overmedication problem resulting in muscle weakness, respiratory impairment and excessive pulmonary secretions which can cause respiratory failure
MG complications
Myasthenic Crisis - undermedication or infection
myasthenic crisis priority
ventilation assistance, dysphagia, dysarthia
MG nursing assessment
respiratory rate, depth, oxygen saturation
Tensilon Test Myasthenic vs Cholinergic Crisis
Myasthenic = Tensilon Test positive Cholinergic = Tensilon Test negative
Guillain-Barre Syndrome definition
autoimmune attack on the peripheral nerve myelin
Guillain-Barre Syndrome results in
acute, rapid segmental demyeliation of peripheral nerves > paralysis of voluntary muscle movements
Guillain-Barre Syndrome autoimmune attack leads to
inflammatory demyelination
sensory neurons action
carry nerve signals from periphery to the Central Nervous System
motor neurons action
carry nerve signals from brain and spinal cord to outer parts of body - skin, muscles, glands
Parkinson Disease cause
injury or impairment of dopmine-producing cells of the substantia nigra in the basal ganglia region of brain
dopamine definition
neurotransmitter essential for normal functioning of extrapyramidal system /posture, support, involuntary movement
Parkinson TRAP
Tremor - occurs at rest
Rigidity of muscles - resistance to passive limb movement
Akinesia / Bradykinesia - lack of movement, slow to initiate movement = rising from sitting position to turning in bed
Postural disturbances - poor posture, head forward when walking = fall risk
PD primary medication
Dopaminergics aka Levodopa
Levodopa action
converts to dopamine in basal ganglia/mid-brain
Dopaminergics/Levodopa problems
- unpredictable - effective for first few years
2. wearing off effect - immobility is when off, effective when on
Deep Brain Stimulation is
high frequency electrical stimulation blocks tremors, patient awake
Parkinson nursing interventions
- hydration b/c orthostatic hypotension
- protein intake
- fiber intake - low dopamine levels > constipation
- easy to chew foods b/c skeletal muscle weakness
Parkinson head of bed HOB
full fowler’s
Parkinson risks
- fall
- aspiration b/c weak skeletal muscles
- OOB out of bed with assistance
leading cause of neuromuscular disease
trauma involving central nervous system
cervical spinal cord 4 aka
C4, fourth from the top of the spinal cord
C4 injury
at C4 point on the spine, ventilation dependent
spinal cord tracts: 2
ascending - sensory pathway
descending - pyramidal and extrapyramidal tracts
descending tracts notable feature
cross over medulla so L Hemisphere damage, right sided effects
pyramidal tract controls
voluntary movement
extrapyramidal tract controls
posture, involuntary/automatic movement
lesion aka
injury
unm lesions
spastic
without lower motor neurons muscles will not contract so tone will be
flaccid
hyperextension - mechanism of injury
head back, whiplash