4 Sensory & Cognition Flashcards
(118 cards)
1
Q
What is the primary purpose of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)?
A
Protect the brain from injury, maintain homeostasis, exchange gases with blood, collect waste from brain cells
CSF does not transport nutrients to the liver.
2
Q
What happens when there is increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A
Can lead to symptoms and tissue destruction, may cause brain stem compression
This can result in cessation of spontaneous respiration and sustainable heart rate.
3
Q
List the correct order of the layers of the skull and brain from outside to inside.
A
- Skin
- Skull
- Dura Mater
- Arachnoid mater
- Subarachnoid space
- Pia mater
- Brain
4
Q
True or False: The skull is a closed compartment that allows for significant pressure changes.
A
False
The skull has very little space for error in pressure regulation.
5
Q
What are some conditions that can increase intracranial pressure?
A
- Meningitis
- Subdural hematoma
- Brain tumor
- Excessive spinal fluid
6
Q
What is a common cause of increased intracranial pressure in younger individuals?
A
Traumatic brain injury
Commonly due to car accidents, sports injuries, and bicycle accidents.
7
Q
What are the signs of increased intracranial pressure?
A
- Changes in level of consciousness
- Increased blood pressure
- Slow pulse
- Papilledema
- Fixed/dilated pupils
8
Q
How can increased intracranial pressure be identified?
A
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Ventriculostomy Monitor
- Lumbar Puncture
9
Q
What is the purpose of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt?
A
To drain excess cerebral spinal fluid into the peritoneal cavity
Commonly used when there is chronic over-production or under-absorption of CSF.
10
Q
What factors can affect intracranial pressure regulation?
A
- Higher altitudes
- Humidity
- Temperature
11
Q
Define a seizure.
A
Uncontrolled neurons firing in the brain, resulting in loss or change of consciousness.
12
Q
What neurotransmitter has anti-seizure effects?
A
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
It has an inhibitory response to brain neurons.
13
Q
What are common causes of acute symptomatic seizures?
A
- Traumatic brain injury
- Infection (e.g., meningitis)
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Severe hypoglycemia
- Drug or alcohol withdrawal
- Brain hemorrhage or tumor
14
Q
What is the definition of epilepsy?
A
A seizure disorder characterized by unprovoked seizures.
15
Q
What is the post-ictal period?
A
The period of confusion that occurs after a generalized seizure.
16
Q
What should be done when witnessing a seizure?
A
- Protect the person’s airway
- Ease them to the floor
- Clear the area
- Start timing the seizure
17
Q
Fill in the blank: The destination of a sensory nerve impulse is the _______.
A
thalamus
18
Q
What are some considerations for improving safety in the elderly to prevent increased intracranial pressure?
A
- Decluttering household areas
- Wearing a medical alert bracelet
- Using assistive devices if balance is poor
- Wearing helmets while biking or motorcycling
19
Q
What is a common treatment for chronic epilepsy management?
A
Anti-seizure medications taken daily for years.
20
Q
True or False: Seizures can only be caused by known conditions.
A
False
Seizures can be acute and symptomatic due to immediate health problems.
21
Q
What types of stimuli can trigger epileptic seizures?
A
- Loud noises
- Bright flashing lights
- Stress
- Changes in medication
- Hyperventilation
22
Q
What is a focal seizure?
A
A seizure that starts in one area of the brain and affects one or more body parts.
23
Q
What can repeated or continuous seizures lead to?
A
- Hypoxia
- Hypotension
- Acidosis
- Hypoglycemia
24
Q
What are neurotransmitters?
A
Chemical messengers that stimulate and inhibit action potentials.
25
Name four neurotransmitters responsible for sending sensory information to the brain.
* Endorphins
* Glutamate
* Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
* Serotonin
26
What is the destination of a sensory nerve impulse?
Thalamus
27
Where does a nerve impulse start in the nervous system?
Peripheral nervous system
28
What connects the peripheral nervous system to the brain?
Spinal cord
29
What role do sensory receptors play in sensory perception?
They measure and return information on the surrounding environment.
30
Give examples of sensory receptors.
* Pressure receptors
* Temperature receptors
* Vibration receptors
* Pain receptors
31
How do neurotransmitters function in sensory perception?
They activate or inhibit receptors to relay information to the brain.
32
What happens when pressure receptors are activated?
They send signals to the brain indicating sensation.
33
What is the first part of sensory perception?
Activation of the sensor
34
What can damage to the spinal cord result in?
Poor or missed communication with anything beyond that damage.
35
What can cause altered sensation in sensory perception disorders?
Abnormal effects on nerves or neurotransmitters.
36
What are the functions of serotonin?
Involved in mood, emotions, and sleep.
37
What does GABA stand for, and what is its role?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid; it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
38
What is the autonomic nervous system divided into?
* Sympathetic nervous system
* Parasympathetic nervous system
39
What is the sympathetic nervous system known for?
Fight or Flight system
40
What does the parasympathetic nervous system promote?
Rest and Digest activities.
41
What can disrupt the network of neurotransmitters and receptors?
Anything that impacts communication to the brain.
42
What is fibromyalgia characterized by?
Over-stimulation of pain, pressure, and temperature receptors.
43
What is neuropathy?
Damage or dysfunction to one or more nerve fibers causing neurological symptoms.
44
What are the three nerve types affected by neuropathy?
* Motor nerves
* Sensory nerves
* Autonomic nerves
45
What is polyneuropathy?
Damage to multiple nerves.
46
What is mononeuropathy?
Damage to a single nerve.
47
List common causes of neuropathy.
* Trauma
* Poor glucose regulation
* Poor perfusion
48
What are the two common tests used to determine neuropathy?
* Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)
* Electromyogram (EMG)
49
What is a common treatment for neuropathy pain?
* Anti-seizure medications
* Pain medications
* Anti-depressants
* Topical preparations of lidocaine
* Anti-inflammatory medications
50
What can cause loss of sensation in neuropathy?
Damage to the peripheral nerve.
51
What is cognition?
Awareness of the surrounding environment and the ability to perform higher levels of thinking.
52
What systems are responsible for cognition?
* Reticular activating system (RAS)
* Cerebral cortex
53
What can lead to decreased cognition?
* Inadequate perfusion
* Severe hypoglycemia
* Increased pressures in the brain
54
What are signs of reduced cognition?
* Lethargy
* Confusion
* Disorientation
* Memory loss
55
What is the role of the reticular activating system (RAS)?
Responsible for attention, arousal, modulation of muscle tone, and focus ability.
56
True or False: Genetics and aging can affect sensory perception.
True
57
Fill in the blank: The sympathetic nervous system is known as the _______.
Fight or Flight system
58
Fill in the blank: The parasympathetic nervous system is known as the _______.
Rest and Digest system
59
What system manages cognition?
The reticular activating system (RAS) and the cerebral cortex
60
What are the primary functions of the reticular activating system (RAS)?
* Attention
* Arousal
* Modulation of muscle tone
* Focus ability
61
What types of information does the RAS process?
* Sensory information from peripheral nervous system
* Sensory information from central nervous system
62
What can decrease cognition?
* Hypoglycemia
* Drug or alcohol overdose
* Infection
* Vascular dementia
* Respiratory failure
* Medications
* Traumatic brain injury
* Brain tumor
* Psychological trauma
63
What state is characterized by a complete loss of cognition?
Coma
64
What are the characteristics of a comatose state?
* No response to verbal stimuli
* No response to painful stimuli
* Possible presence of reflexes
65
What factors are used to assess different levels of a coma?
* Level of muscle activity
* Ability to breathe independently
* Brain activity measurements (EEG)
66
What defines a persistent vegetative state?
Loss of mental capacity and awareness with continued brainstem function
67
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale used for?
To define levels of consciousness and changes in cognition
68
What are the scoring criteria of the Glasgow Coma Scale?
* Eye opening
* Verbal response
* Motor response
69
What is brain death?
* Cessation of brain function
* Absence of brain stem reflexes
* Absence of spontaneous respirations when ventilator assistance is withdrawn
* Confirmation of irreversible brain damage
70
What are the signs or symptoms of decreased cognition?
* Loss of alertness
* Confusion or disorientation
* Memory loss
* Loss of consciousness
* Inability to perform simple functions
* Poor regulation of emotion
* Defects in thought or judgment
71
What is the treatment approach for altered cognition?
Identify and eliminate the underlying cause
72
What can cause short-term alterations in cognition?
Injury to the head causing swelling and/or bleeding
73
What long-term conditions can alter cognition?
* Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
* Cerebral vascular accidents (CVA)
* Brain ischemia
74
What therapies are often recommended for cognitive function loss?
* Physical therapy
* Speech therapy
* Occupational therapy
75
What environmental and lifestyle factors affect cognition?
* Substance use
* Toxin exposure
* Traumatic events
76
What are some ways to reduce risk factors affecting cognition?
* Wear a helmet
* Eat a nutritious diet
* Avoid substance misuse
* Exercise regularly
77
What impact does age have on cognition?
Conditions leading to vascular disease or diabetes mellitus can cause cognitive decline
78
What is dementia?
A syndrome characterized by a decline in cognitive ability beyond what is expected with aging
79
What are the types of dementia?
* Alzheimer’s disease
* Vascular dementia
* Frontotemporal dementia
* Lewy body dementia
* Mixed dementia
80
What changes in the brain are associated with dementia?
Changes in the hippocampus
81
What are key risk factors for dementia?
* Age
* Family history
* Genetics
* Race or ethnicity
* Socioeconomic factors
* Health and lifestyle
* Traumatic brain injury
* Environmental exposure
82
What is the current ranking of dementia as a cause of death?
Seventh leading cause of death globally
83
What are some normal aging memory changes?
* Occasionally misplacing car keys
* Struggling to find a word
* Forgetting names or recent events
84
What symptoms are associated with dementia?
* Memory loss
* Poor judgment
* Confusion
* Difficulty speaking
* Wandering
* Trouble handling money
* Repeating questions
* Hallucinations or delusions
85
How is dementia diagnosed?
* Medical history
* Cognitive testing
* Physical examination
* Laboratory testing
* Imaging studies
86
What are primary prevention strategies for dementia?
* Avoid tobacco use
* Maintain a healthy weight
* Exercise regularly
* Eat healthy food
* Manage chronic health conditions
* Stay mentally active
* Stay socially active
87
What are secondary and tertiary prevention strategies for dementia?
* Take prescribed medications
* Participate in cognitive therapies
* Promote safety and independence
88
What is substance use disorder?
A complex process involving pathophysiology, behavior, genetics, and environment
89
What is tolerance in relation to substance use?
Physiological change where the body becomes less responsive to a substance over time
90
What complications can arise from long-term alcohol use disorder?
* Liver cirrhosis
* Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
91
What are predisposing factors for substance use disorder?
* Genetics
* Socio-economic status
* Traumatic events
* Stress
* Cultural acceptance
92
What is the best prevention for substance use disorder?
Knowledge and understanding of predisposing factors and risk levels
93
What are common combinations of polysubstance use?
* Cocaine with depressants
* Alcohol with cigarettes
* Opioids with depressants
94
What are the symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?
Reduced absorption of thiamine and folic acid
95
What can sharing needles lead to?
* Endocarditis
* HIV
* Hepatitis C
96
What types of treatment are used for substance use disorder?
* Behavioral goals
* Medications
* 12-step programs
97
What is pain?
A symptom indicating potential dangers to homeostasis and health
98
What are examples of different types of pain?
* Nerve pain
* Headache
* Abdominal pain
* Back pain
* Depression
99
How do nurses approach pain management?
Using critical thinking and the nursing process
100
What stimulates sensory nerves?
* Thermal means
* Chemical means
* Mechanical/physical means
101
What types of pain are commonly identified?
* Somatic Pain
* Visceral Pain
## Footnote
Somatic pain arises from skin, muscles, and joints, while visceral pain originates in internal organs.
102
What stimulates sensory nerves?
* Thermal means
* Chemical means
* Mechanical/physical means
## Footnote
Thermal means include extremes of temperature; chemical means include substances like bradykinin and prostaglandins; mechanical means refer to pressure.
103
What factors influence pain perception?
* Age
* Culture
* Family traditions
* Prior experience with pain
* External forces (e.g., weather)
## Footnote
These factors shape how individuals experience and respond to pain.
104
Define nociceptors in the context of pain.
Nociceptors are nerve endings that conduct pain impulses to the spinal column.
105
What are the two types of afferent fibers in pain transmission?
* Myelinated (A type)
* Unmyelinated (C type)
## Footnote
A fibers conduct impulses quickly and are associated with sharp pain; C fibers conduct slower and are associated with dull pain.
106
What is acute pain?
Pain present for less than 6 months and aggressively treated with medications.
107
What is chronic pain?
Pain present for longer than 6 months, often resulting in physiological changes due to adaptation.
108
What is referred pain?
Pain perceived at a site distant from the source of the pain.
109
What are common descriptions of pain sensations?
* Sharp or stabbing
* Throbbing or pulsating
* Achy
* Cramping
* Burning
* Pressure or sense of fullness
## Footnote
These descriptions help in identifying the type of pain experienced.
110
What are the two tracts that second-order neurons divide into?
* Spinothalamic tract
* Spinoreticular tract
## Footnote
Each tract carries pain impulses to different parts of the brain, influencing pain perception and emotional response.
111
What does the specificity theory of pain suggest?
The level of experienced pain is related to the amount of tissue damaged.
112
What is the gate control theory?
It suggests that pain responses are filtered through impulses conducted to the spinal cord, regulated by special cells.
113
What is the neuromatrix theory of pain?
It describes pain sensation as patterns derived from genetics and previous experiences, including phantom pain.
114
What are contributors to the clinical manifestations of pain?
* Location
* Type (e.g., aching, burning)
* Timing with movement
* Stress responses
* Psychological effects
* Muscle tension
## Footnote
These factors can affect how pain is experienced and expressed.
115
Define phantom pain.
Pain perceived in an area of the body that has been removed.
116
How do myelinated A fibers and unmyelinated C fibers differ in pain transmission?
A fibers conduct pain quickly and are associated with sharp pain; C fibers conduct pain slowly and are associated with dull pain.
117
True or False: Pain is an objective sensation that can be measured the same way for everyone.
False
## Footnote
Pain is subjective and varies based on individual experiences and perceptions.
118
What is the role of dermatomes in pain sensation?
Dermatomes correspond to specific areas of the skin and help in testing sensory loss or pain sensation.
