Nursing Lecture Review: Hepatic, Neurological, Oncology, and Reproductive Health

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and diagnostic findings for hepatic, neurological, and oncology nursing care based on lecture notes.

Ascites

The accumulation of fluid in the abdomen associated with hepatic disorders, monitored using daily weights and abdominal girth measurements.

Portal Hypertension

High blood pressure in the portal vein system; patients are instructed to avoid straining during bowel movements to reduce the risk of hemorrhage from esophageal varices.

Glycogenolysis

The process by which the liver converts stored glycogen into glucose when blood sugar levels drop.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

A condition in cirrhosis where dietary protein must be limited due to reaching toxic levels of ammonia.

Prothrombin and Fibrinogen

Clotting proteins synthesized by the liver; an inflamed liver may fail to produce them, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

Bilirubin

A blood level measurement used as a specific indicator of how well the liver is functioning.

Mannitol Therapy

A treatment for cerebral edema in patients with increased ICP; effectiveness is indicated by increased urinary output.

Cushing Triad

A set of three symptoms characteristic of increased ICP: bradycardia, hypertension, and a widening pulse pressure.

Craniotomy Post-Op Positioning

Reducing intracranial pressure by elevating the head of the bed to $30^{\circ}$.

Babinski Reflex

A neurological reflex where the normal finding in an adult is a downward curl of the toes.

Motor Aphasia

A condition following a CVA characterized by an inability to express oneself through speaking.

Brudzinski's Sign

A diagnostic sign for meningitis that is positive when a patient's hips and knees flex automatically when the nurse flexes the patient's neck toward the chest while in a supine position.

tPA Therapy Window

Thrombolytic drug therapy for a CVA that must be administered within $3\,hours$ of the onset of symptoms.

Disuse Syndrome

A condition in immobilized patients characterized by muscle tremors, pressure ulcers, and the pooling of pulmonary secretions.

Pruritus in Hepatitis

Itching caused by the accumulation of bile salts under the skin.

Clay-colored Stool

An assessment finding that indicates the blocked flow of bile from the liver to the intestine.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

A procedure used to visualize the gallbladder and ducts; the patient must remain still throughout the process.

Glasgow Coma Scale

An assessment tool used to determine a patient's level of consciousness based on eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.

Epidural Hematoma

A neurological emergency following a head injury where the nurse must diligently monitor for increasing drowsiness after a period of alertness.

Methylprednisolone in SCI

A medication administered after a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) specifically to reduce cellular damage and swelling/edema of the spinal cord.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

A potentially life-threatening condition in SCI patients; its third indicator is profuse sweating.

Garner-Wells Tongs

A traction device used to align the cervical vertebrae following a spinal injury.

Halo Device

A stabilization device for cervical spine injuries that provides the major advantage of allowing the client to mobilize out of bed.

Spinal Shock Resolution

Indicated by the return of spastic involuntary limb movements or voluntary purposeful movements.

Presbyopia

An age-related visual condition where the lens loses elasticity, requiring the patient to hold reading material farther away; managed with non-prescription reading glasses.

Closed-Angle Glaucoma

A medical emergency characterized by an acute onset of increased intraocular pressure.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

A coagulation disorder that may manifest in cancer patients as new, large bruises on the upper arms and thighs.

Palliative Care

Medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness to improve quality of life.

Pap Test

A cytologic screening test used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix, often allowing for early diagnosis and cure of cervical cancer.

Secondary Syphilis

A stage of syphilis characterized by body aches, pustules, fever, and a sore throat.

Chlamydial Infection (Men)

An STI that typically presents in men with frequent urination and a creamy penile discharge.

Testicular Torsion

A potential diagnosis for a young male presenting with intense scrotal pain and nausea.

Urethral Smear

A diagnostic test used specifically to detect the presence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Neutropenia

A decrease in white blood cells caused by chemotherapy and bone marrow suppression, requiring visitors to be free of infections.

Digital Rectal Exam

A routine screening used for men to detect prostatic disease.

Flexion Deformities

Joint contractures that the nurse prevents in unconscious patients using splints, braces, and frequent positioning.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A 'mini-stroke' that often requires a daily protocol of low-dose aspirin as a preventive measure.

Hemorrhagic CVA Contraindication

Forceful coughing is contraindicated because it can cause an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP).

Left Hemisphere CVA

A stroke in this region typically results in right-sided body weakness and impaired reasoning.

Sinemet (L-dopa)

A drug protocol for Parkinson's disease that may require the addition of other drugs to maintain effectiveness over time.