Medications, Diagnostics, and Clinical Judgment in Neurologic Emergencies

Vocabulary flashcards covering critical medications, diagnostic modalities, and Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) steps in acute neurologic care.

Mannitol

Osmotic therapy used to reduce cerebral edema and ICP, requiring monitoring of fluid balance and electrolytes.

Hypertonic saline

An agent used to raise serum tonicity to help draw fluid from swollen brain tissue.

Levetiracetam (Keppra)

A medication used for the treatment or prevention of seizures when clinically indicated.

Nicardipine or labetalol

Medications utilized for controlled BP management when indicated in neuro emergencies.

Idarucizumab

A specific agent used for the reversal of dabigatran in indicated serious bleeding or emergency situations.

Andexanet alfa

A reversal option for selected factor Xa inhibitor-associated life-threatening bleeding.

Anticoagulants in hemorrhagic stroke

Therapeutic agents presenting a primary concern of ongoing bleeding, for which reversal may be indicated.

CT in acute neurologic deterioration

A diagnostic imaging tool used to evaluate bleeding, structural lesions, mass effect, and other urgent changes.

MRI in stroke/brain injury evaluation

An imaging modality that provides more detailed evaluation of ischemia and brain tissue injury in selected situations.

Sodium monitoring in cerebral edema

Assessment performed because sodium and osmolality changes can worsen brain swelling and influence hyperosmolar therapy.

Recognize cues (neurologic CJMM)

Identifying changes in LOC, pupils, strength, speech, breathing, BP, glucose, and imaging/labs.

Prioritize hypotheses (neurologic CJMM)

Identifying the most immediate threat, such as airway loss, herniation, hemorrhage, or acute stroke.

Take action (neurologic CJMM)

Performing the safest immediate assessment/intervention and activating time-sensitive pathways.

Evaluate outcomes (neurologic CJMM)

Repeating focused assessments and determining whether neuro status, perfusion, and safety improved.