ch18 (neurologic emergencies)

Question 1

what are the major parts of the brain?

Answer 1

1. brainstem
2. cerebellum
3. cerebrum

Question 2

brainstem

Answer 2

controls basic body functions (breathing, blood pressure)

Question 3

cerebellum

Answer 3

controls muscle and body coordination

Question 4

coma

Answer 4

occurs when blood flow is stopped; a state of profound unconsciousness, can cause permanent brain damage

Question 5

sinus headaches are caused by…

Answer 5

pressure because of fluid accumulation in the sinus cavities

Question 6

cerebrovascular accident (CVA)/stroke

Answer 6

interruption of blood flow to an area in the brain that results in loss of brain function

Question 7

ischemic stroke

Answer 7

most common stroke; blood flow to a specific part of the brain is stopped by a blood clot inside a blood vessel

Question 8

thrombosis

Answer 8

where a clot forms at the site of blockage

Question 9

ischemia

Answer 9

reduction in blood supply; inadequate oxygen supplied to blood cells

Question 9

embolus

Answer 9

where the blood clot travels to a blood vessel where it causes a blockage of blood flow

Question 10

atherosclerosis

Answer 10

calcium and cholesterol build up and forms plaque inside the walls of blood vessels

Question 11

hemorrhagic stroke

Answer 11

bleeding inside the brain; blood vessel ruptures and accumulated blood forms a blood clot, compresses brain tissue next to it

Question 12

aneurysm

Answer 12

swelling or enlargement of the wall of an artery resulting from a defect or weakening of the arterial wall

Question 12

aneurysm

Answer 12

swelling or enlargement of the wall of an artery resulting from a defect or weakening of the arterial wall

Question 13

transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Answer 13

mini strokes
-stroke like symptoms resolve on their own in less than 24 hours; no actual tissue death (infarction)

Question 14

dysarthria

Answer 14

slurred speech

Question 15

aphasia

Answer 15

inability to produce or understand speech

Question 16

patients with brain bleeding may have…

Answer 16

very high blood pressure
(high BP can either cause the bleeding or be a compensatory response to bleeding)

Question 17

postictal state

Answer 17

period following a seizure, 5-30 mins, labored respirations and altered mental status

Question 18

seizure

Answer 18

neurologic episode caused by a surge of electrical activity in the brain

Question 19

epilepsy

Answer 19

abnormal electrical discharges occur in the brain, causing seizures and possible loss of consciousness

Question 20

generalized seizure

Answer 20

abnormal electrical discharges from large areas of the brain; severe twitching of muscles

Question 21

focal seizure

Answer 21

affecting a limited portion of the brain

Question 22

aura

Answer 22

a warning sign that includes visual changes (ex: flashing lights, or blind spots)

Question 23

status epilepticus

Answer 23

seizures that continue every few minutes without the person regaining consciousness or lasting longer than 30 mins

Question 24

hypoglycemia

Answer 24

low blood glucose level

Question 25

hyperglycemia

Answer 25

high blood glucose level

Question 26

febrile seizures

Answer 26

seizure from a high fever, primarily in children

Question 27

incontinence

Answer 27

loss of bowel or bladder control