Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Critical Care > Other Neuro Alterations > Flashcards

Other Neuro Alterations Flashcards

1
Q

Linear skull fracture

A

Linear crack seen on x-ray

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Symptoms of linear skull fracture

A

Swollen, ecchymotic areas over scalp
May lead to epidural hematoma if in temporoparietal area

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Nursing care for linear skull fracture

A

Observation for clinical manifestations of IICP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Depressed skull fracture

A

Skull is depressed, pieces of scalp still there
Dura may be intact, bruised or torn

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Potential complications of a depressed skull fracture

A

Laceration of the brain (from the skull fragments)
Intracranial hemorrhage
Infection (*Meningitis)
Seizures (not common)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Basilar skull fracture

A

Fracture at base of skull
X-ray does not detect

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Symptoms of a basilar skull fracture

A

Battle’s sign (Bruising behind both ears)
Raccoon’s eyes (bruising around eyes)
CSF leakage from nose and ears

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Nursing management of a basilar skull fracture

A

Tape 4x4 under nose/ear to collect CSF drainage
*No NG tubes
*No blowing nose

**This fracture breaks the first line of defense into the cerebral spinal space

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Comminuted skull fracture

A

Occurs from multiple linear fractures
Referred to as eggshell fracture
Not an open fracture

(Without xray, wouldn’t even know it’s there)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Definition of concussion

A

Mechanical force of short duration applied to skull

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Symptoms of concussion

A

With transient loss of consciousness, some confusion, amnesia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Treatment for concussion

A

12-24 hour observation
Lasting effects are uncommon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Definition of contusion

A

Bruising of the brain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Cause of a contusion

A

Coup-contra-coup injury

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

S/S of contusion

A

Depend on location and severity
*change in LOC
Amnesia
Motor deficits (temporary tingling in arms)
Restless and combative

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe a diffuse axonal brain injury

A

Example = gunshot wound with scattering bullet
Shearing and tearing of brain tissue
Global injury of gray matter

Results in prolonged coma
Pt has poor prognosis, would need intense rehabilitation, and is often left in vegetative state

17
Q

Describe a penetrating brain injury

A

Deep laceration that can occur at low velocity or high velocity.
Clinical manifestations vary with location/extent of injury

Low velocity ex: knife/ice pick
High velocity ex: gun shot

18
Q

Definition of an epidural hematoma

A

Arterial laceration and blood clot in epidural space (between dura and skull)
Develops rapidly (mins to hours)
Self limiting (usually stops spreading in first 24-48 hours)

19
Q

S/S of an epidural hematoma

A

Pt starts out lucid before neurologic decline (as bleeding continues)

Early signs:
- HA
- Irritability
- Restlessness

Later, as brainstem becomes compressed, more neuro issues arise, but hematoma is usually corrected with surgery before it gets to this point

20
Q

Treatment of epidural hematoma

A

Surgical evacuation through burr hole
*Early surgical intervention is key!

21
Q

Subdural hematoma definition

A

Clot within subdural space (one layer deeper than epidural)
May be bilateral
Usually from torn cortical vein
May be multiple and associated with contusions
Occurs at all ages

22
Q

Types of subdural hematomas

A

Acute: Develops within 48 hrs of injury
Subacute: Occurs 2 days to 2 weeks after injury
Chronic: occurs weeks to months after injury

23
Q

What is worrisome about a chronic subdural hematoma?

A

May be missed b/c it’s often attributed to other causes
Pts may have problems with their gate

24
Q

S/S of an acute subdural hematoma

A

(Usually similar to epidural hematoma):
- Lucid interval before decline
- Early: HA, irritability, restlessness
- Eventually progresses to unconsciousness without treatment

25
Q

Treatment of an acute subdural hematoma

A
  • Surgery must be done early
  • Evacuation through burr hole
  • *Pt will have post-op edema (often refractory) caused by trauma to area during surgery. *Treat with Mannitol
26
Q

What is an intracerebral hematoma?

A

Clot deep within brain tissue
Most common cause is chronic HTN
Varied s/s
Small ones may resolve on own, large ones may require surgical excision

27
Q

What is a secondary brain injury?

A

A brain injury that is secondary to another problem, causing further damage

28
Q

Examples of secondary brain injuries

A

Hypoxia
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Hypotension
Cerebral edema
Infection

29
Q

Treatment for secondary brain injuries

A

Same as treatment for increased ICP,
Need to focus on ABCs

Critical Care (35 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions