Neurological Failure & Raised ICP Flashcards 🧠⚠️💥

Question 1

Q: What is raised intracranial pressure (ICP)? ❓

Answer 1

A: Increased pressure inside the skull that can damage the brain. 🧠⚠️

Question 2

Q: What causes raised ICP? ❓

Answer 2

Brain swelling

Question 3

Q: What are common signs and symptoms of raised ICP? ❓

Answer 3

A: Headache, vomiting, altered consciousness, pupil changes, seizures. 🤕🤮🛌👁️⚡

Question 4

Q: What is the Cushing triad? ❓

Answer 4

A: Three key signs of dangerously raised ICP:
* Bradycardia (slow heart rate) ❤️🐢
* Hypertension (high blood pressure) 🩸⬆️
* Irregular respirations 😤❓

Question 5

Q: What is the Cushing reflex? ❓

Answer 5

A: The body’s response to maintain brain perfusion during raised ICP by increasing blood pressure. 🧠🩸⬆️

Question 6

Q: What is the first priority in managing raised ICP? ❓

Answer 6


A: Reduce pressure and maintain adequate oxygen and blood flow to the brain. 💨🩸🧠

Question 7

Q: Name some treatments to lower ICP. ❓

Answer 7

A: Head elevation, osmotic diuretics (e.g., mannitol), controlled ventilation, surgery. 🛏️💊🩺🔪

Question 8

Q: What are the key neurological assessments to monitor ICP? ❓


Answer 8

A: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), pupil size/reactivity, motor response. 👁️🧠✋

Question 9

Q: Why is early detection of raised ICP crucial? ❓


Answer 9

A: Prevents brain damage and improves patient outcomes. ⏰🧠💪