Semester general review Flashcards
Afferent vs Efferent
Afferent = Brings towards AKA Sensory
Efferent = Takes away AKA motor
Why is the pyramidal tract important?
What are the primary function of the cerebellum?
- Control equilibrium
- controls muscle tone
- Controls coordination of muscle movements
What is ataxia?
Loss of muscle coordinations
5 levels consciousness
- list them is descending order of wakefulness
- Full consciousness
- Lethargy
- Obtundation
- Stupor
- Coma
Define lethargy
Pt. is drowsy but partially awakens to stimulation.
- can list and respond slowly
Define Obdundation
Pt. is difficult to arouse and needs constant stimulation to follow a simple command.
Define Stupor
Pt arouses to vigorous and continuous stimulus (painful).
- only attempts to withdraw
What nerves involve the pupillary reflexes?
CNs II and III
What nerves involve the corneal reflexes?
CN’s V and VII
Between the CNs 9 and 10, which are motor and which are sensory?
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) reflects the sensory reflex for gagging and swallowing
Vagus nerve (X) reflects the motor reflex for gagging and swallowing
Define Cushing triad
A late sign of increased ICP
- consists of increasing systolic BP with wide pressure (hypertension)
- bradycardia
- bradypnea/irregular respirations
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What is Neonatal encephalopathy (NE)?
Depressed or disturbed neurological function, often caused by lack of oxygen to the baby within the first days of life.
- NE indicates an underlying neurological problem, not a condition
-
As increasing levels of benzodiazepines are given you expect which of the following effects (in order):
A) Respiratory depression, analgesia, loss of consciousness
B) Loss of consciousness, analgesia, respiratory depression
C) Analgesia, respiratory depression, loss of consciousness
D) Analgesia, loss of consciousness, respiratory depression
D) Analgesia, loss of consciousness, respiratory depression
You have assessed a patient and suspect damage to cranial nerve IX but note an intact cranial nerve X. This would be evidenced by____?
Lack of a gag reflex but cough with suctioning
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score that requires intracranial pressure monitoring?
Head-injured patients with GCS scores of 8 and less need monitoring of intracranial pressure.
At what level of intracranial pressure will venous drainage be impeded and cerebral edema develop in uninjured tissue?
30-35 venous drainage is impeded and edema develops in uninjured tissue
- normal ICP is 5-15
Which of the following is the most critical parameter to keep in mind when managing a patient with intracranial hypertension?
Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)
- Remember that although hyperventilation is associated with lower ICP values caused by vasoconstriction of brain blood vessels associated with hypocapnia, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is the most critical element to monitor.
Which of the following cranial nerves is intact if cough is present while the airway is suctioned?
An intact CN X (vagus)
The presence of dorsiflexion of the great toe with fanning of remaining toes during testing of the plantar reflex is known as_____?
Babinski’s sign—is abnormal, except in children up to 12 to 18 months of age.
Pupillary response is reflected by which cranial nerves?
CN II and III
Corneal reflex is reflected by which nerve?
CN V and VII
Where in the nervous system is breathing regulated?
HR, BP, and breathing are regulated by the brainstem
What compartments does the brain consists of (3)
- The cerebrum (2 hemispheres)
- Brainstem (midbrain, pons, and medulla)
- Cerebellum (back of head + motor control)
What is the Becks Triad associated with?
Cardiac Tamponade
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Bulging neck veins
- Distant or muffled heartbeats
How do you reduce pressure on the heart (tx) for cardiac tamponade?
Give O2 and elevate legs
- Pericardiocentesis (needle/catheter to drain fluid)
- Surgery
Why is Cardiac Tamponade a problem?
Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid builds up in the pericardium, which can impair the heart’s ability to fill and cause hemodynamic compromise. Beck’s triad is most commonly caused by acute intrapericardial hemorrhage.
Sign and symptoms associated with becks triad?
Decrease BP (decreased volume of blood being pumped by the heart) which is accompanied by:
- SOB
- Increased HR
- Excessive fluid around the heart
- Cold, sweaty, pale skin
What are your Hs and Ts in ACLS?
The H’s and T’s are 12 reversible conditions that could cause PEA. 7 Hs and 5 Ts.
Hypovolemia
Hypoxia
Hydrogen ion excess (acidosis)
Hypoglycemia
Hypokalemia
Hyperkalemia
Hypothermia
Tension pneumothorax
Tamponade – Cardiac
Toxins
Thrombosis (pulmonary embolus)
Thrombosis (myocardial infarction)
How to identify and tx hypovolemia during ACLS?
- Rapid HR, Narrow QRS on ECG; other symptoms of low volume
- Tx with infusion of normal saline or ringers lactate
How to identify and tx hypoxia during ACLS?
- Slow HR
- Airway management and effective oxygenation
How to identify and tx hydrogen ion excess (acidosis) during ACLS?
- Amplitude QRS on ECG
- Hyperventilation; consider sodium bicarb bolus