Surgical Nursing Flashcards
(1004 cards)
list benefits of performing a neurological exam
breaks down complex presentations
identify if neurological or other condition
localisation of condition
aid diagnosis and prognosis
continual assessment of patient condition
state aims of neuro exam
determine if condition is neurological
determine where the condition is
determine potential causes
what is the purpose of localisation of neuro conditions?
aids differential diagnoses
where can neurological conditions be localised to?
brain - forebrain, cerebellum, brain stem
spinal cord - C1-C5, C6-T2, T3-L3, L4-S2
peripheral nerves
neuromuscular
what is the 5 finger rule of localisation (neuro)?
signalment
onset - acute vs chronic
progression
symmetry
pain
what are the different parts to a neuro exam?
hands off observation
hands on exam
what is examined in hands off observation in neuro exam?
mentation
gait
posture
what is examined in hands on observation in neuro exam?
postural reactions
spinal reflexes
cranial nerves
sensory evaluation
palpation
what should be considered when assessing mentation?
state - alert, obtunded, stuporous or coma
are reactions to environment as normally expected for this patient
what should be considered when assessing gait in a neuro exam?
common presentation, not always neurological
can they generate coordinated movements and walk normally
breed differences
head turn or tilt, ventroflexion, curving of the spine
decerebrate rigidity or decerebellate rigidity
stance
how is a gait exam performed?
owner walks animal up and down at varying speeds as needed
can use sling or support if needed
what is decerebrate rigidity?
extension of all limbs, head and neck
non-ambulatory in lateral
what is decerebellate rigidity?
extension of thoracic limbs, head and neck
hind limbs flexed or flacid
what is the purpose of testing postural reactions?
test sensory nerves in ascending tract in spinal cord, brainstem and forebrain, descending tracts in brainstem and spinal cord, motor neurones and muscles
why cant postural reaction tests localise neuro lesions?
tests are affected by lesions in any area
list types of postural reaction tests
proprioception - replacing feet
hopping - lift each leg in turn and move from side to side
visual placing - should place feet when moved to table
tactile placing - same as visual but eyes covered
hemi-walking and wheelbarrowing
what does spinal reflexes test assess?
all limbs function
how are thoracic limbs tested in spinal reflexes?
withdrawal
extensor carpi radialis and biceps brachii reflexes
how are pelvic limbs tested in spinal reflexes?
withdrawal
patella and cranial tibial and gastrocnemius reflexes
list types of spinal reflex tests
thoracic limbs
pelvic limbs
perianal reflex
panniculus reflex
cutaneous trunchi reflex
how are withdrawal reflexes tested?
non-painful pinching of the toe inducing a reflex
how is a patella reflex test performed?
knocking patella hammer to cause kicking
how is perineal reflex tested?
pinching around perineum to cause contraction
how is paniculus reflex performed?
pinching thoracic skin causing flinching of the skin