Patho Ch 45

Question 0

Generalized seizures

Answer 0

Involve the entire brain from the onset of the seizure

Question 1

Seizure disorder

Answer 1

Due to an alteration in membrane potential that makes certain neurons abnormally hyperactive and hyper sensitive to changes in their environment

Question 2

Partial seizures

Answer 2

Are those in which abnormal electrical activity is restricted to one brain hemisphere

Question 3

Status epilepticus

Answer 3

Is a continuing series of seizures without a period of recovery between a seizure episode and can be life-threatening

Question 4

Diagnosis and treatment of seizures

Answer 4

EEG electroencephalograms- Assesses the electrical patterns of brain regions

Labatory studies identify metabolic/nutritional deficits, infections, and exposure to toxins

Question 5

Antiseizure medications

Answer 5

Prevent or reduce seizure episodes, seizure precautions prevent injury

Question 6

Dementia

Answer 6

Syndrome associated with many pathological processes and characterized by
Progressive deterioration and continuing decline of memory and other cognitive changes

Question 7

Dementia

Answer 7

Important to first rule out manageable causes of dementia, often cause unknown.
Head injury, inappropriate use of medication, substances

Question 8

Dementia, Causes

Answer 8

Cause remains unknown, although genetic and environmental triggers are suggested.
Synthesis of brain acetylcholine is deficient and treatment is aimed at increasing acetylcholine levels by reducing acetylcholine reuptake.

Question 9

Parkinson’s disease

Answer 9

Maybe idiopathic or A consequence of use of certain drugs.
Dopamine deficiency in The basal ganglia is associated with symptoms of motor impairment.
Difficulty initiating and controlling movements results and Akinesia, tremor and rigidity.
Tremors occurs at rest and hand tremors exhibit pill rolling movements.
Attempts to passively move the extremities are met with cogwheel rigidity.

Question 10

Hydrocephalus

Answer 10

Characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the cerebroventricular system.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is due to increased volume of CSF

Question 11

Cerebellum disorder

Answer 11

Cerebellum Is responsible for coordinated control of muscle action, excitation and inhibition of postural reflexes, and maintenance of balance

Question 12

Cerebellar disorders

Answer 12

Clinical manifestations include ataxia, Hypotonia, intention trimmers, and disturbances in gait and balance.

Question 13

Spinal cord injury

Answer 13

The cord can be compressed, transected, or contused.

Question 14

Spinal cord injury, further injury may result from:

Answer 14

Hemorrhage, swelling, and ischemia.
Movement- prevent from getting worse, put a neck collar on. If you see an injury that involves head or neck, stabilize, don’t move!!

Question 15

Spinal cord injury/Asia scale

Answer 15

A =complete. No motor or sensory function is preserved.
B= incomplete, sensory function but not motor function
C= incomplete motor function is preserved below the neurological level, and more than half of key muscles below neurological level have a muscle grade less than 3.
D= incomplete: motor function is preserved below the neurological level 3 or more
E= normal

Question 16

Spinal cord injury/spinal shock

Answer 16

Occurs immediately following SCI and is characterized by temporary!! loss of reflexes below the level of injury
Muscles are flaccid, skeletal and autonomic reflexes are lost.

Question 17

Neurogenic shock-May occur after SCI Due to:

Answer 17

Peripheral vasodilation.
Hypertension and circulatory collapse can occur; , high spinal cord injuries can affect respiratory muscles leading to ventricular failure!!!!

Difference between spinal shock and neurogenic shock is that neurogenic shock occurs later on after injury

Question 18

Injury To C4

Answer 18

Injury to C4 or bellow -they have lost control of diaphragm

Question 19

Spinal cord injury/autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 19

Autonomic dysreflexia is an acute reflective response to sympathetic activation below the level of injury.
Nurses should prevent this from happening by preventing constipation, kink in catheter, full bladder of full bowel can cause this.

Question 20

Autonomic dysreflexia/manifestations

Answer 20

Manifestations include hypertension, bradycardia, Flushing above the level of injury, and clammy skin below the level of injury.

Nurse- first step is prevention then treat what may be causing it, give meds to bring BP down

Question 21

Spinal cord injury treatment

Answer 21

Treatment includes appropriate stabilization!!! of spinal vertebrae. Maybe accomplished surgically with internal fixation are with external fixation and bracing.
High-dose methylprednisolone ( steroid to reduce swelling)!!!!! May be used to decrease secondary injury