Test 2 Flashcards
(48 cards)
Glioblastoma multiforme
fast-growing, star-shaped, WORST form of glioma, aka stage IV astrocytoma
Most common brain tumor complaint
headache
Meningioma
- middle aged adults (female most common)
- encapsulated (compression rather than invasion)
- usually benign
- increased ICP
Acoustic Neuroma
- CN VIII (acoustic)
- slow growing
- benign
- s/sx: hearling loss, tinnitus, vertigo`
Hemangioblastoma
- from a vessel
- risk of CVA
- people <40 w/ hemorrhage
Pituitary Adenoma
- women of child-bearing ages higher risk
- s/sx of pituitary hormonal dysfunction
- usually small, benign, encapsulated, slow-growing
- report changes of smell
Primary CNS Lymphoma
- immune compromised pts. = high risk
- diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a type of non-Hodgkin
Brain Tumor Assessment Findings
- headache, reported as “different” (most common)
- seizures
- nausea/vomiting
- altered mentation
Meningeal Tumor Most Common S/Sx
severe HA and photosensitivity (also for ruptured aneurysm)
Goal of Brain Tumor Diagnostics
preserve remaining normal brain tissue
Medical Brain Tumor Management
- radiation (remember proper shield placement)
- chemotherapy
- steroids
- benzos (effective at decreasing nausea)
Surgical Brain Tumor Management
- removal of all or part of tumor
- shunts
Bone Flap Rationale for Cerebral Edema
reduce swelling
Craniotomy Nursing Interventions
- assess for changes in LoC
- HOB 30*
- treat HA/nausea
- keep dressing in place, assess drainage, bleeding, odor
Post-op craniotomy pt. is weak/lethargic
checks ABCs
Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
- no ADH leads to excessive U/O (>300 mL/hr)
- urine specific gravity low (diluted) <1.005
DI Priority Assessments and Interventions
- assess electrolyte imbalance
- I/O
- fluid replacement
- DDAVP (desmopressin acetate)
Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone (SIADH)
- too much ADH leads to decreased U/O (<20 mL/hr)
- urine specific gravity high (concentrated) >1.025
SIADH Priority Assessments and Interventions
- post-op brain surgery: call MD immediately
- assess electrolyte imbalance frequently (particularly sodium)
- I/O
- fluid restriction
- diruretics
- s/sx of dehydration or overload
Crani surgery post-op care 1
- Meningitis (#1 culprit)
- prophylactic ABx
- assess drain/incision sites
- Respiratory problems
- encourage IS/deep breathe, but NOT coughing
- prepare room for suctioning
- Seizures
Crani surgery post-op: CSF leak
call MD and check for glucose
Crani surgery post-op: IICP
- proper positioning (consider drains and location of surgery)
- no restraints or enemas
Crani surgery post-op care: Trans-sphenoidal
- damage to CN III common, assess visual field loss or deterioration
- monitor I/O, assess for DI
- call MD for excessive drainage
Trans-sphenoidal pt. education
- avoid (4 weeks): blowing nose, coughing, sneezing, straws, bending over, straining on toilet
- no driving for 2 weeks