Final Exam Flashcards
(141 cards)
Disorders of the CNS
- CNS functions through complex interactions and communications between neurons
- Communication carried out through chemical synapses involving many neurotransmitters and neuromodulators
- Disease states occur when neurons do not communicate effectively, often due to too little or too much neurotransmitter being released
CNS Drugs w/ Beneficial Effects for Many Conditions
*Reducing anxiety, muscle spasms, spasticity, pain
*Improving sleep
*Elevating mood
*Managing psychotic symptoms
*Showing progression of degenerative disease
*Terminating, preventing seizures
*Inducing anasthesia
CNS Neurotransmitters (***Star Slide)
Communication is complex as a single neuron will receive inputs from many neurons and will send messages to many neurons
NTs are broadly classified as being excitatory or inhibitory though some NTs may be excitatory in one region of the brain but inhibitory in another
Receptor determines action of NT
NTs are widely distributed in the CNS but are associated with certain regions of the brain, functions, and conditions
Receptors for NTs are also widely distributed in CNS with similar associations to those of NTs
Receptor subtypes are also associated with certain regions, functions and conditions
Receptor subtype is an important consideration for pharmacotherapy
List of Neurotransmitters (don’t need to memorize if it’s inhibitory or excitatory, just need to recognize)
- Acetylcholine (Ach) – excitatory or inhibitory
- Serotonin (5-HT) – usually inhibitory
- Glutamate – always excitatory
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) – always inhibitory
- Norepinephrine (NE) – excitatory or inhibitory
- Dopamine – usually excitatory
- Many others
Cerebrum (***Star Slide)
Four major lobes:
- frontal
- parietal
- temporal
- occipital
Motor functions initiate conscious muscle movement including language
Sensory functions process and associate sensory modalities, organized by lobe (i.e. occipital – vision)
Integrative functions interpret sensory signals:
- Creates appropriate conscious response
- Reasoning and planning
- Source of conscious thought
Thalamus
Major relay centre for almost all sensory information prior to reaching cerebrum
Some parts of thalamus comprise a portion of the limbic system:
- Limbic system is associated with mood and motivation
Hypothalamus
Major visceral control centre for
* Hunger
* Thirst and water balance
* Body temperature
Some parts of hypothalamus comprise a portion of the limbic system
Regulation of sympathetic functions
* Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, pupillary diameter
Endocrine – regulation of pituitary gland
Cerebellum (***Star Slide)
- Receives input from visual system, vestibular system and proprioceptors
- Coordinates fine motor movements; ensures that intended motion matches actual motion
- Coordinates complex tasks that require integration of motor and sensory functions
- Maintains balance and posture
Brainstem (***Star Slide)
Connects spinal cord to brain:
- Pathway for most motor and sensory tracts to and from peripheral nervous system
Composed of medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain
Regulates reflex and control centres for breathing, heart rate, vision, swallowing, vomiting and coughing
Spinal Cord, BBB (Blood-Brain Barrier) (***Star Slide)
SPINAL CORD:
* Pathway for motor and sensory information moving to and from peripheral nervous system
BBB:
* BBB formed by endothelial cells and astrocytes that limits movement of substances into CNS
* In order to cross, substances must be lipophilic and able to diffuse easily
Limbic
Composed of many nuclei in brain
FUNCTIONS:
- Emotional states related to anxiety, fear, anger, aggression, depression, euphoria, sexual drive
- Can affect autonomic control in response to emotion through connection to hypothalamus
- Learning
- Memory (hippocampus)
- Can affect thoughts about emotional states through connections to cerebrum to control behaviour in response to emotion
Reticular Activating
Reticular Activating System (RAS):
- Part of reticular formation in brainstem
FUNCTIONS:
- Stimulating of RAS promotes wakefulness and alertness
- Inhibition of RAS promotes sleepiness and drowsiness
- Filters non-essential sensory information allowing individual focus on activity
Basal Nuclei (Basal Ganglia) (***Star Slide)
Regulates starting and stopping of skeletal muscle movements
Assists with starting and stopping of some cognitive functions associated with memory, learning and planning
Extrapyramidal (***Star Slide)
Modulates motor activities associated with alpha motor neurons including reflex arcs, postural control and complex movements like walking
Tracts move through brainstem into spinal cord
Signals carried along these tracts are influenced by activity of basal nuclei
The 3 D’s (***Star Slide)
Delirium:
- ACUTE onset
- CAN be treated
- Altered state of consciousness
- Assessed using the CAM
Depression:
- GRADUAL onset
- CAN be treated
- Look for signs (eg low self-esteem)
Dementia:
- GRADUAL onset
- MIGHT be treated
- Memory loss
- Decline in cognitive function
Dementia
Disease process involving progressive decline in cognitive function and memory loss
Over 170 types
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common (Approx 70%)
Slow steady predictable changes
STRUCTURAL and CHEMICAL Changes:
- Plaques and tangles (structural)
- NT’s drop (chemical)
Meds can help with chemical NOT structural
3 Dementia Stages
EARLY:
- Needs reminders
- IADLs
- Concentration decreased
MIDDLE:
- May need more hands on care w/ ADLs
- May get lost easily
- Changes in personality
LATE:
- Severe confusion
- Needs hands-on care for most personal care
- May not recognize self or family
What is Affected w/ Dementia
Cognition:
- Memory
- Learning
- Language
- Abstract thinking
- Psycho-motor speed
Behaviour:
- Communication
- Safety
- Personal care
deteriorates
- Lapses in clarity
- Hallucinations and/or
delusions
Emotion:
- Disregulated
- Disorganized
- Apathy / flat affect
- Lability (mood
changes)
Geriatric Pharmacokinetics (Absorption, Distribution etc) (***Star Slide)
Absorption:
- Generally unaffected
Distribution:
- Decreased total body H2O
- Increased body fat
- Decreased serum albumin
Metabolism:
- Decreased hepatic blood flow and metabolizing enzymes
Excretion:
- Decreased renal function
Medications that Treat Primary Symptoms (Dementia) (***Star Slide)
Cholinesterase inhibitors:
Eg) donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine
Stop the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is an important NT in memory and cognition.
Show modest improvement in cognition, function, and behaviour.
Response:
1/3 = improve
1/3 = stabilize
1/3 = no response.
Does not prevent the progression of underlying disease
Memantine:
Glutamate is a transmitter in the brain that is affected by Alzheimer’s Disease.
Blocks the pathological effects of abnormal glutamate release.
Allows for better function of the impaired brain.
Indicated for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.
Trials show slowing in cognitive and functional decline, as well as in agitation.
Meds to Treat SECONDARY Symptoms of Dementia
Antidepressants:
- Specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; citalopram, sertraline)
Antipsychotics:
- Typical antipsychotics (Eg Haldol)
- Atypical antipsychotics (Eg Risperidone)
Mood Stabilizers:
- Anticonvulsants (Eg Carbemazepine)
Risks Assoc. w/ Acute Care Admissions (***Star slide)
- Inability / decreased ability to communicate symptoms
- Information gathering difficult for staff – sometimes relies heavily on external source that may not be readily available, particularly ‘out of hours’
- Mismanagement due to lack of information, poor understanding, time and bed pressures, inadequate training
- Environmental changes - multiple ward moves, patients and staff
- Cluttered ward layouts, poor signage, other hazards
- Inappropriate prescribing
- Inadequate pain recognition and control
- Procedures – e.g. catheter, NGT, blood tests, IV lines
- Poor supervision on the ward
Lead to:
- Delay diagnosis
- Increased incidence of delirium, falls, fractures, malnutrition, dehydration, hospital acquired infections, iatrogenic illness
- Increased length of stay
- Increased subsequent admission to long-term care
- Increased mortality
Person-Centred Care
Self-Actualization: Top of Pyramid
- Morality
- Creativity
- Spontaneity
- Acceptance
- Experience purpose
- Meaning and inner potential
Self-Esteem:
- Confidence
- Achievement
- Respect of others
- Need to be a unique individual
Love and Belonging:
- Friendship
- Family
- Intimacy
- Sense of connection
Safety and Security:
- Health
- Employment
- Property
- Family and social ability
Physiological Needs:
- Breathing
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
- Clothing
- Sleep
Implementing Person-Centred Care
Recognition
Negotiation
Relaxation
Timalation
Celebration
Validation
Collaboration