Neuroanatomy and Brain Injuries Review

A collection of vocabulary terms and definitions derived from lecture notes on neuroanatomy and brain injuries.

What does A and O times four mean?

Alert and oriented to time, place, person, and situation.

What is lethargy?

A condition in which a person is drowsy or sleepy.

What does obtunded mean?

A state in which a person can be aroused only with painful stimuli.

What is the Glasgow Coma Scale used for?

To evaluate a patient's level of consciousness.

What are the three components scored in the Glasgow Coma Scale?

Eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.

What is the normal range for intracranial pressure?

Five to fifteen mmHg.

What is Cushing's triad?

A clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations.

What is the role of mannitol in treating increased intracranial pressure?

It is an osmotic diuretic used to decrease cerebral edema.

Describe decerebrate posturing.

Extension posturing with arms and legs extended, very rigid.

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?

Headaches, nausea, vomiting, and changes in personality.

What is the gold standard diagnostic test for brain tumors?

MRI scan.

What classifies a hematoma?

A collection of blood outside blood vessels.

What is the difference between an epidural and subdural hematoma?

Epidural is above the dura mater and often requires emergency intervention, whereas subdural is beneath the dura and can be chronic.

What is papilledema?

Swelling of the optic nerve due to increased intracranial pressure.

What are cranial nerves?

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain, primarily controlling sensory and motor functions of the head and neck.

What does an obtunded patient require to wake up?

Painful stimuli.

Define a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

An injury to the brain caused by an external force.

What is the primary cause of a concussion?

A blow to the head that causes temporary loss of function.

What is a contusion?

A bruise on the brain caused by trauma.

What is the primary goal of craniotomy in brain tumor surgery?

To remove as much of the tumor as possible.

What is a myelogram?

An imaging test where contrast is injected into the spinal cord.

What is hydrocephalus?

Accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain.

What is a key intervention for a patient with increased intracranial pressure?

Keeping the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees.

What vital sign change is expected in patients with increased intracranial pressure?

An increase in systolic blood pressure.

What does a score of 15 on the Glasgow Coma Scale indicate?

The patient is fully awake and alert.

What is the purpose of the Romberg test?

To assess balance and proprioception.

What does it mean to be disoriented?

Lack of awareness of time, place, person, or situation.

What assessment would indicate a patient is obtunded?

Requires painful stimuli to arouse and does not respond to verbal commands.

What could be a complication of a lumbar puncture?

Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.

What is the definition of intracranial pressure?

The pressure within the skull due to brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid.

What is the difference between a primary and a secondary brain tumor?

Primary tumors originate in the brain, while secondary tumors spread from other parts of the body.

What are potential causes of increased intracranial pressure?

Brain injury, tumors, hemorrhage, and cerebral edema.

What is Cheyne-Stokes respiration?

A pattern of breathing characterized by cycles of deep and shallow breaths.

What changes in pupil reaction are indicative of increased intracranial pressure?

Sluggish or unequal pupils.

What is a cerebral angiogram?

An imaging test that uses contrast to visualize the blood vessels in the brain.

How is pain assessed in a neurological exam?

By asking the patient about pain, numbness, or tingling sensations.

What should be monitored following a craniotomy?

Vital signs, level of consciousness, and neurological status.

What is the mnemonic to remember the components of the Glasgow Coma Scale?

EVM: Eye opening, Verbal response, Motor response.

What nursing intervention is crucial for a patient with an epidural hematoma?

Prepare for potential surgical intervention due to rapid decline.

What does a family history of brain tumors suggest for a patient?

Increased risk and necessitates careful assessment.

What symptoms indicate possible brain herniation?

Deterioration of consciousness, fixed pupils, and abnormal posturing.

What should not be done if cerebrospinal fluid leaks from a patient's nose post-surgery?

Do not wipe or clear the fluid.

What is a decorticate posture?

Flexed posture indicating damage to the cerebral hemispheres.

What side effects are associated with mannitol?

Electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and increased urination.

What is the definition of bradycardia?

A slow heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute.