Neurosensory Nursing Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering neurological assessments, levels of consciousness, diagnostic testing, and sensory alterations as presented in NUR 333.

ABC Priority

The first step for a neurologically impaired patient focusing on Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.

Basic Neuro Assessment

Includes a general survey and evaluation of Level of Consciousness (LOC) regarding Person, Place, Time, and Situation.

4 H's

The four conditions to assess in neuro patients: Hypoxia, Hypoglycemia, Hypotension, and Hypoventilation.

Alert

A level of consciousness where the patient is awake, easily arousable, receptive, and responsive.

Lethargic (Somnolent)

Not fully alert; the patient drifts off to sleep when not stimulated but awakens to their name and responds appropriately, though slowly.

Obtunded

Patient sleeps most of the time and is difficult to arouse, requiring a loud shout or vigorous shake; speech may be mumbled or incoherent.

Stupor or Semi-comatose

Spontaneously unconscious state where the patient responds only to vigorous shaking or pain, often responding with groans or mumbles.

Comatose

Completely unconscious with no meaningful response to stimuli; can range from light coma (reflex activity) to deep coma (no motor response).

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

An objective assessment with numeric values ranging from $3$ to $15$ based on eye opening, motor, and verbal responses.

Severe Brain Injury (GCS)

A Glasgow Coma Scale score of $8$ or less.

Moderate Brain Injury (GCS)

A Glasgow Coma Scale score between $9$ and $12$.

Mild Brain Injury (GCS)

A Glasgow Coma Scale score between $13$ and $15$.

Proprioception

The body’s ability to sense movement, action, and location.

Coordination Assessment

Tested via rapid alternating movements, such as touching the thumb to each finger on the same hand quickly.

CT Scan

Provides 3-D images of organs, bones, and tissues; used to quickly detect hemorrhage, vascular abnormalities, tumors, and cysts.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Provides detailed 3-D images from a 2-D slice without radiation; requires screening for metal and removal of medicated patches.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

Monitors the brain's electrical activity using electrodes on the skull; used to diagnose seizures and confirm brain death.

Presbycusis

A hearing deficit related to aging.

Xerostomia

A taste deficit characterized by thicker mucous and dry mouth.

Expressive Aphasia

The inability to name common objects or express ideas in words or writing.

Receptive Aphasia

The inability to understand written or spoken language.

Hyperesthesia

A condition in tactile deficits where a patient is overly sensitive to stimuli; requires minimizing irritating stimuli like loose linens.

Sensory Deprivation

Results from isolation, impairment of senses, or confinement; leads to cognitive, affective, and perceptual effects.

Sensory Overload

Excessive stimuli that exceed a person's tolerance, often caused by pain, lack of sleep, or a busy ICU environment.

Migraine

A recurring headache characterized by unilateral throbbing pain, often preceded by an aura and more common in females.

Cluster Headaches

A type of headache more common in males that can be treated with high-flow $O_2$.