Ch. 15, 21 (Dementia/Delirium, & Neuro) Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is described as paralysis on one side of the body?
hemiplegia
What is described as decreased vision or blindness in half of one eye or the same half
of both eyes?
hemianopsia
What are subtle symptoms of neurologic disorders that should be detected by nurses?
- new headaches
- changes in vision
- sudden deafness, ringing in ears
- altered level of consciousness, mood or personality changes
- unsteady gait
- numbness/tingling of extremity
What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
- shuffling gait
TRAP - Tremor (pill rolling)
- Rigidity
- Akinesia/bradykinesia (loss/slow movement)
- Postural Instability
What is the goal with treatment for Parkinson’s?
prolong independence as long as possible
What is the difference between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes?
- ischemic: blockage by thrombus or embolus (blood clot)
- hemorrhagic: ruptured cerebral blood vessel (bleeding)
What is the #1 thing to note when evaluating a CVA?
time of onset
What is the onset of delirium characterized as?
acute, rapid (change noted within hours, a day or days)
reversible
What is the onset of dementia characterized as?
gradual
irreversible
What are signs and symptoms of delirium?
- change in mental status/orientation/personality
- labile mood
- meaningless chatter
- hallucinations
- sleep disturbances
True or False?:
Any change in behavior or cognitive pattern warrants evaluation
true
Can people with dementia develop delirium?
yes
What are signs of a CVA?
- Hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of body)
- Hemianopsia (vision loss in one eye/same half of both eye)
- Aphasia (slow, broken, or incoherent speech)
- FAST
What is a language disorder that happens when parts of the brain responsible for language are damaged (often during a CVA/head injury)?
aphasia
What does FAST stand for?
- Face – change in smile/vision
- Arm
- Speech
- Time
What are complications that can arise from a CVA?
- Loss of mobility/independence - Increased risk for Contractures & Pressure injuries
- Disability (major cause of disability in older adults)
- Death (third leading cause of death in older adults)
What is the major cause of disability in older adults?
CVAs
What is the third leading cause of death in older adults?
CVAs
What is our priority during the acute phase of a CVA?
- Maintain patent airway
- Treatment/Transfer to treatment should be given within 60 minutes of arrival (door-in-door-out <60 minutes)
- Administer thrombolytic (TPA) only for ischemic strokes (caused by blood clot, helps break down blood clot)
What kind of strokes can a thrombolytic (TPA) be used for as treatment?
ischemic strokes
What are the signs of dementia beside memory loss/confusion?
- depression/anxiety
- attempt to compensate by structuring routines/simplifying responsibilities
What is the treatment for delirium?
depends on cause
never treat symptoms
What is the treatment dementia?
there is no definitive treatment
How do we care for dementia patients?
- Ensure patient safety
- Promoting therapy & activity
- Providing physical care
