Intracranial Regulation, Neurosensory, Perception, Thermoregulation Flashcards

Flashcards for Intracranial Regulation, Neurosensory, Perception, and Thermoregulation

What does intracranial regulation affect?

motor/sensory functions, cranial nerves, and thermoregulation.

Why do a focused neuro assessment?

Alterations in LOC and sensory function (5 senses)

How to assess health history for a neuro assessment?

Headaches, numbness/tingling, weakness, hx of seizures, head injury, hx of smoking, medications, sensory changes.

What are the components of a mental status assessment?

Identify LOC, GCS score, Mini cog exam, memory, mood, demeanor, grooming/hygiene.

List the levels of consciousness.

Alert, Lethargic, Obtunded, Stuporous, Comatose.

What is decorticate posturing?

Patient moves their arms in toward their core; everything folds outward like a "c".

What is decerebrate posturing?

Everything folds inward toward the spinal cord.

What does the Glasgow Coma Scale assess?

Evaluates eye, motor, and verbal responses.

What is assessed in the motor function assessment?

Watch gait, Romberg Test, Grip/Strength/Resistance, 6 Cardinal Gazes and PERRLA.

What is assessed in the sensory function assessment?

Light touch, smell, vision, hearing.

What are abnormal findings when assessing a patient's gait?

Limp, sway, poor balance.

What are normal findings when assessing hand strength?

Strong, equal, bilaterally in both hands.

What does the Snellen chart test?

Tests visual acuity.

Where is the tuning fork placed during the Rinne test?

Tuning fork is placed behind the ear on the mastoid process.

Where is the tuning fork placed during the Weber test?

Tuning fork is placed above the head.

What are some nursing interventions for sensory overload?

Limit amount of visitors, cluster care, keep consistent schedule, consider moving pt to private room.

What are some nursing interventions for sensory deprivation?

Plug ears, reduce pain, assist pt with stress reduction, reduce light, reduce noise.

What are the three types of cranial nerves?

Sensory, motor, or both.

What are some expected alterations with aging?

Short term memory decline, alterations in vision/hearing/smell/taste, impaired balance, slowed reactions and movements, ROM limitations.

What are some neurological changes seen in older adults?

Increased difficulty learning complex data, altered perception of vibration, position, and deep pain/temperature perception.

What defines hyperthermia?

Temperature > 100.3°F

What defines hypothermia?

Temperature < 95°F

Who is at risk for hypo/hyperthermia?

Children, elderly, underweight, overweight, athletes, homeless, living in extreme climates.

What is heat loss by conduction?

Transfer from body directly to another surface.

What is heat loss by convection?

Dispersion by air currents.

What is heat loss by evaporation?

Dispersion through water.

What is heat loss by radiation?

Transfer from one object to another without direct contact.