TOPIC 11 - neuro part 1 Flashcards
bells palsy
acute peripheral facial paresis of unknown cause. as the most common facial nerve disorder
characterized by inflammation of the facial nerve (cn vii) on one side of the face in the absence of any other disease such as a stroke
theories of causes of bells palsy
acute demyelination similar to guillain barre disease
reactivated herpes
other infection
hallmark signs of bell palsy
inability to close the eyelid, with an upward movement of the eyeball when closure is attempted, is a inability to smile, frown, or whistle
unilateral loss of taste is common
decreased muscle movement may alter chewing ability.
pain behind the ear
onset of bells palsy
onset is sudden with a rapid onset of unilateral facial weakness that can occur in a few hours.
complications of bells palsy
psychologic withdrawal - changes in appearance
malnutrition
dehydration
mucous membrane trauma
corneal abrasions
muscle stretching
facial spasms
contractures
interventions for pain related to bells palsy
analgesics
hot packs for herpetic lesions
interventions for hypersensitivity to heat and cold related to bells palsy
protect face
interventions for risk for aspiration related to bells palsy
Teach to chew on the unaffected side
Avoid trapping food
Good oral hygiene
interventions for risk for cornea damage related to bells palsy
Teach to cover the eye with a protective shield at night.
Apply eye ointment to keep eyelids closed duringsleep.
interventions for muscle tone change related to bells palsy
Show patient how to perform facial massage with gentle
upward motion several times daily when the patient can tolerate the massage.
Demonstrate facialexercises, such as wrinkling the forehead,
blowing out the cheeks, and whistling, in an effort to prevent muscle atrophy.
interventions for diet and nutrition related to bells palsy
Instruct patient to chew on the unaffected side of hismouth.
Eliminate hot fluids and foods.
Give frequent mouth care, being particularly careful to remove residues of food that collects between the cheeks and gums.
what is myasthenia gravis and how is is causes
autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction characterized by the fluctuating weakness of certain skeletal muscle groups.
antibodies attack acetylcholine (ach) receptors, resulting in a decreased number of ach receptor (achr) sites at the neuromuscular junction. this prevents ach molecules from attaching and stimulating muscle contraction.
which neurotransmitter is related to myasthenia gravis
ACH
assessment of myasthenia gravis
fluctuating weakness of skeletal muscle
the muscles most often involved are those used for moving the eyes and eyelids, chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing
eyelid muscles or extraocular muscles are involved. facial mobility and expression can be impaired
the patient may have difficulty chewing and swallowing food. speech is affected, and the voice often fades after a long conversation.
acute exacerbation of muscle weakness related to myasthenic crisis is triggered by
infection
surgery
emotional distress
drug overdose
inadequate drugs
major complications with myasthenic crisis
muscle weakness in areas that affect swallowing and breathing = aspiration, resp insufficiency, resp tract infection