Neurological Nursing Flashcards
7 cards from real MSNCB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Neurological Nursing flashcards as text
Which finding on CT scan would CONTRAINDICATE administration of tPA for acute stroke?
Answer: Large hyperdense area indicating intracranial hemorrhage
Intracranial hemorrhage on CT is an absolute contraindication to tPA because the thrombolytic would worsen the bleeding.
A nurse is caring for a patient with bacterial meningitis. Which precaution is required until 24 hours after antibiotics are initiated?
Answer: Droplet precautions
Droplet precautions are required for bacterial meningitis (especially Neisseria meningitidis) until 24 hours of effective antibiotic therapy have been completed.
Which ICP waveform component, when elevated above the other components, indicates decreased intracranial compliance?
Answer: P2 (tidal wave)
When P2 exceeds P1, it indicates decreased intracranial compliance, meaning the brain has less ability to accommodate changes in volume.
A patient receiving phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control should be monitored for which serious adverse effect?
Answer: Cardiac dysrhythmias during rapid IV infusion
Rapid IV infusion of phenytoin can cause severe hypotension and cardiac dysrhythmias; it must be administered no faster than 50 mg/min.
A patient with Alzheimer's disease becomes agitated and tries to climb out of bed at night. The BEST nursing intervention is to:
Answer: Reorient the patient, reduce environmental stimuli, and ensure safety
Non-pharmacological interventions including reorientation, calm reassurance, and a safe low-stimulation environment are the first-line approach for sundowning.
A patient with a brain tumor develops new onset of seizures. The nurse understands that seizures in this population are most often caused by:
Answer: Cortical irritation from the tumor or surrounding edema
Brain tumors cause seizures primarily through cortical irritation from the tumor mass itself or the peritumoral edema surrounding it.
Which medication is used to reduce cerebral edema in patients with brain tumors?
Answer: Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) is the first-line treatment for vasogenic cerebral edema surrounding brain tumors.