Neurological System Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards based on lecture notes covering neurological assessment, urgent findings, nursing diagnoses, and patient safety protocols.

Decreased LOC

A finding that must be communicated immediately to the healthcare team during a neurological assessment.

Serial Neuro Assessment

A type of exam used to identify changes in status that would signify a critical or potentially life-threatening event.

Nuchal rigidity

Stiff neck checked by gently flexing the chin toward the chest; a sign to report immediately especially if accompanied by fever and vomiting.

Glasgow Coma Scale

A tool used by the nurse to derive a score for determining a patient's level of consciousness.

Ominous sign of brain death

A clinical presentation characterized by fixed pupils with flaccid muscles and no response to pain.

Dysphagia

Impaired swallowing that requires modified feeding and observation for aspiration or airway obstruction.

Brain herniation signs

Progressive indicators including decreased LOC, altered mentation, sluggish pupillary reaction, and posturing.

Acute confusion

A nursing diagnosis related to cognition that requires ongoing assessment of mentation and contributing physiologic causes.

Functional Ability

A nursing diagnosis area utilizing screening tools and mutual goal setting to manage activities of daily living.

Decerebrate and decorticate

Specific types of posturing findings that must be communicated immediately.

Slurred or inappropriate speech

An unexpected finding that should be reported immediately during a neuro assessment.

Meningitis

A possible condition suspected when a patient presents with a stiff neck, fever, and vomiting.

Unconscious patient assessment

An evaluation that includes the Glasgow Coma Scale, pupillary check, and brainstem assessment.

Cervical neck injury

A condition the nurse must be aware of prior to moving the head of an unconscious patient.

Unilateral weakness

Weakness on only one side of the body, listed as a finding to communicate immediately.

PT/OT consultation

Intervention for patients with mobility or functional ability issues to help manage activities of daily living.

Increased intracranial pressure

A condition that can lead to brain herniation, signaled by sluggish pupillary reaction and altered mentation.

Aspiration

A sign or symptom to observe for during oral feedings in patients with impaired swallowing.

Mentation

The mental activity or state of a patient that requires ongoing assessment for those with acute confusion.

Dietician consultation

A nursing intervention to maintain adequate nutrition for patients with impaired swallowing.

Disorientation

An unexpected neurological finding requiring immediate communication.

Mutual goal setting

An intervention conducted with the patient to address concerns regarding functional ability.

Pupillary check

A necessary component of an unconscious patient assessment performed alongside the Glasgow Coma Scale.

Serial assessment reporting

The protocol stating that any changes in status during repetitive neuro checks should be reported immediately.

Modified feeding

An intervention used for patients with dysphagia to prevent choking.