Exam 3 - Neuro Flashcards
(164 cards)
Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP) is calculated by:
A) CPP = MAP - ICP
B) CPP = CBF + ICP
C) CPP = MAP + CBF
D) CPP = ICP - MAP
Answer: A) CPP = MAP - ICP.
Rationale: CPP is the net pressure gradient causing cerebral blood flow to the brain (cerebral perfusion). It is calculated by subtracting the intracranial pressure (ICP) from the mean arterial pressure (MAP).
Which of the following would likely cause an increase in cerebral blood flow?
A) Decreased arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2)
B) Increased arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2)
C) Decreased arterial oxygen (PaO2)
D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C.
Rationale: An increase in PaCO2 leads to cerebral vasodilation and increased blood flow. Additionally, a decrease in PaO2 below certain thresholds can also trigger cerebral vasodilation to increase blood flow and oxygen delivery.
Autoregulation of cerebral blood flow ensures that the CBF remains constant over a range of:
A) 10-20 mmHg of mean arterial pressure
B) 20-40 mmHg of mean arterial pressure
C) 50-150 mmHg of mean arterial pressure
D) 150-200 mmHg of mean arterial pressure
Answer: C) 50-150 mmHg of mean arterial pressure.
Rationale: Cerebral autoregulation is a mechanism that maintains a relatively constant cerebral blood flow despite changes in systemic arterial pressure, usually within the range of 50-150 mmHg of mean arterial pressure.
CBF is approx 50 mL/100g brain tissue per minute
750mL/min
What percentage of cardiac output (COP) is typically received by the brain?
A) 5%
B) 15%
C) 20%
D) 25%
Answer: B) 15%.
Rationale: The brain receives about 15% of cardiac output, which is a substantial amount considering its size relative to the rest of the body, reflecting its high metabolic demand.
Which components are found within the intracranial vault?
A. Neural tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid
B. Muscles, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid
C. Neural tissue, lymph, and synovial fluid
D. Bones, muscles, and neural tissue
Answer: A. Neural tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid
Rationale: The intracranial vault contains neural tissue (including the brain and spinal cord), blood, and cerebrospinal fluid, which are all enclosed by the dura mater and bone.
According to the Monroe-Kellie hypothesis, what occurs if there is an increase in one component of the intracranial volume?
A. Intracranial pressure will always increase.
B. It must be offset by a decrease in another component to prevent an elevated intracranial pressure.
C. The intracranial pressure decreases in a compensatory manner.
D. It does not affect the intracranial pressure.
Answer: B. It must be offset by a decrease in another component to prevent an elevated intracranial pressure.
Rationale: The Monroe-Kellie hypothesis suggests that because the total volume inside the cranial cavity is fixed, an increase in any one of the components—neural tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid—must be compensated for by a decrease in volume of another component to maintain a normal intracranial pressure.
What could be the result if homeostatic mechanisms fail to compensate for increased intracranial pressure?
A. Decreased mean arterial pressure
B. Increased cerebrospinal fluid production
C. Cerebral ischemia
D. Unchanged cerebral perfusion pressure
Answer: C. Cerebral ischemia
Rationale: Cerebral perfusion pressure is determined by the mean arterial pressure and intracranial pressure. Homeostatic mechanisms can increase mean arterial pressure to support cerebral perfusion pressure despite increases in intracranial pressure. However, if these compensatory mechanisms fail, it could lead to decreased blood flow to the brain, resulting in cerebral ischemia.
Which meningeal structure separates the two cerebral hemispheres?
A. Falx cerebri
B. Tentorium cerebelli
C. Arachnoid mater
D. Pia mater
Answer: A. Falx cerebri
Rationale: The falx cerebri is a sickle-shaped fold of dura mater that descends vertically in the longitudinal fissure between the two cerebral hemispheres.
The tentorium cerebelli is significant because it:
A. Divides the cerebrum from the cerebellum.
B. Protects the brainstem.
C. Is the primary site of cerebrospinal fluid production.
D. Contains the majority of the cerebral arteries.
Answer: A. Divides the cerebrum from the cerebellum.
Rationale: The tentorium cerebelli is an extension of the dura mater that separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum and marks the boundary between the supratentorial and infratentorial spaces.
What is a potential consequence of localized increases in intracranial content?
A. Decreased mean arterial pressure.
B. Herniation of brain tissue into another compartment.
C. Reduced cerebrospinal fluid production.
D. Atrophy of the cerebral hemispheres.
Answer: B. Herniation of brain tissue into another compartment.
Rationale: An increase in the content of one region of the brain can cause a regional increase in intracranial pressure, leading to the herniation of brain tissue into another compartment, especially if the increase is significant or sudden.
Herniation syndromes are categorized by:
A. The initial cause of increased intracranial pressure.
B. The patient’s age and medical history.
C. The specific type of brain tissue that is herniating.
D. The region of the brain that is affected.
Answer: D. The region of the brain that is affected.
Rationale: Herniation syndromes are classified based on the region of the brain affected by the herniation, which is important for diagnosis and management of the condition.
What is a characteristic clinical manifestation of subfalcine herniation?
A. Ipsilateral oculomotor nerve dysfunction
B. Midline shift and compression of the anterior cerebral artery branches
C. Medullary dysfunction
D. Respiratory instability
Answer: B. Midline shift and compression of the anterior cerebral artery branches
Rationale: Subfalcine herniation occurs when there is a herniation of the cerebral hemispheric contents beneath the falx cerebri, which often leads to a midline shift and compression of the branches of the anterior cerebral artery.
Uncal herniation, a subtype of transtentorial herniation, typically presents with:
A. Pupillary dilatation, ptosis, and lateral deviation of the affected eye
B. Bilateral oculomotor nerve palsy
C. Compression of the posterior cerebral artery branches
D. Decerebrate posturing
Answer: A. Pupillary dilatation, ptosis, and lateral deviation of the affected eye
Rationale: Uncal herniation occurs when the uncal region (medial portion of the temporal lobe) herniates over the tentorium cerebelli, leading to ipsilateral oculomotor nerve dysfunction, which can manifest as pupillary dilatation, ptosis, and lateral deviation of the affected eye. These symptoms reflect the involvement of cranial nerve III.
Herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum can lead to:
A. Oculomotor nerve palsy
B. Medullary dysfunction and cardiorespiratory instability
C. Bilateral ptosis
D. Coma without brainstem involvement
Answer: B. Medullary dysfunction and cardiorespiratory instability
Rationale: Herniation of the cerebellar tonsils into the foramen magnum can lead to compression of the brainstem, particularly the medulla oblongata, which is responsible for regulating vital functions. This compression can result in medullary dysfunction and cardiorespiratory instability, which are life-threatening conditions.
Transtentorial herniation can result in all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Alteration in mental status (AMS)
B. Hemodynamic compromise
C. Respiratory compromise
D. Increased intracranial pressure without symptoms
Answer: D. Increased intracranial pressure without symptoms
Rationale: Transtentorial herniation results in herniation of the supratentorial contents past the tentorium cerebelli, leading to significant clinical symptoms including alteration in mental status, hemodynamic and respiratory compromise. It does not occur without symptoms; increased intracranial pressure in the context of herniation is associated with significant clinical manifestations.
How do tumors typically lead to increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. By secreting cerebrospinal fluid
B. By causing edema in surrounding brain tissue
C. By decreasing cerebral blood flow
D. By reducing cerebral metabolic demand
Answer: B. By causing edema in surrounding brain tissue
Rationale: Tumors can lead to increased ICP not only due to their size but also by causing edema in the surrounding brain tissue. Additionally, they can obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, particularly if they involve the third ventricle.
Intracranial hematomas increase intracranial pressure in a manner similar to:
A. Ischemic strokes
B. Mass lesions
C. Encephalitis
D. Meningitis
Answer: B. Mass lesions
Rationale: Intracranial hematomas act like mass lesions, increasing ICP due to their volume and associated swelling. This is similar to the effect of tumors and other space-occupying lesions within the intracranial vault.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage can exacerbate increased intracranial pressure through:
A. Increased cerebral metabolic rate
B. Obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid reabsorption
C. Hypersecretion of cerebrospinal fluid
D. Compression of the cerebral aqueduct
Answer: B. Obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid reabsorption
Rationale: Blood in the cerebrospinal fluid, as seen in subarachnoid hemorrhage, can lead to obstruction of CSF reabsorption, which can exacerbate increased ICP. Additionally, granulations from the inflammatory response can further impair CSF flow.
Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis contribute to increased intracranial pressure primarily by:
A. Promoting cerebrospinal fluid production
B. Causing edema or obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid reabsorption
C. Inducing vasospasm of cerebral arteries
D. Decreasing blood-brain barrier integrity
Answer: B. Causing edema or obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid reabsorption
Rationale: Infections like meningitis or encephalitis can lead to increased ICP due to edema from inflammatory processes or by obstructing CSF reabsorption, often as a result of the inflammatory response within the subarachnoid space or the ventricular system.
What is the rationale behind elevating the head to decrease intracranial pressure?
A. It reduces cerebrospinal fluid production.
B. It encourages jugular venous outflow.
C. It increases cerebral perfusion pressure.
D. It enhances cerebrospinal fluid absorption.
Answer: B. It encourages jugular venous outflow.
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed is a non-pharmacological method used to facilitate venous drainage from the head, which can help reduce intracranial pressure.
Hyperosmotic drugs decrease intracranial pressure by:
A. Reducing cerebral metabolic demand.
B. Increasing cerebrospinal fluid production.
C. Increasing osmolarity, drawing fluid across the blood-brain barrier.
D. Vasoconstriction of cerebral blood vessels.
Answer: C. Increasing osmolarity, drawing fluid across the blood-brain barrier.
Rationale: Hyperosmotic drugs, such as mannitol, work to reduce intracranial pressure by creating an osmotic gradient that draws fluid from the brain parenchyma, across the blood-brain barrier, into the bloodstream.
Which medication can be used to decrease intracranial pressure by reducing cerebral metabolic oxygen consumption?
A. Antibiotics
B. Antiepileptics
C. Corticosteroids
D. Cerebral vasoconstricting anesthetics (e.g., propofol)
Answer: D. Cerebral vasoconstricting anesthetics (e.g., propofol)
Rationale: Cerebral vasoconstricting anesthetics like propofol can decrease cerebral metabolic oxygen consumption (CMRO2) and cerebral blood flow (CBF), which can contribute to a reduction in intracranial pressure.
An external ventricular drain (EVD) is utilized in the management of increased ICP primarily to:
A. Monitor cerebral blood flow.
B. Drain cerebrospinal fluid.
C. Administer medications directly to the central nervous system.
D. Reduce cerebral edema through refrigeration.
Answer: B. Drain cerebrospinal fluid.
Rationale: An external ventricular drain is used to directly remove cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricular system to help manage increased intracranial pressure.
What is the first step in conducting a neurological assessment for anesthesia planning?
A. Administering preoperative medications
B. Knowing the basic pathophysiology of neurological disorders
C. Reviewing the patients’ drug history
D. Deciding on the anesthetic plan
Answer: B. Knowing the basic pathophysiology of neurological disorders
Rationale: Understanding the basic pathophysiology of neurological disorders is essential as it guides the assessment of the patient’s history, symptoms, baseline neuro-deficits, and helps in the interpretation of imaging and neurologic test results, which are fundamental in planning anesthesia care.