NU410 Final Exam With
Complete Solution
Hemorrhagic Stroke S/S & Treatment - ANSWER - Vomiting, bleeding, severe
headache, sudden changes in LOC, one sided numbness/weakness, slurred
speech, loss of coordination, & visual disturbances
- Surgery is rare, bedrest with sedation, work to prevent/tx complications
Ischemic Stroke S/S & Treatment - ANSWER - One sided
numbness/weakness, slurred speech, loss of coordination, confusion, &
visual disturbances
- Tx with tPA, anticoagulation therapy, endovascular therapy, & elevated
HOB
Left vs Right Side Stroke - ANSWER - Left: Right sided numbness/weakness,
right visual field deficit, aphasia, altered intellectual ability, & slow cautious
behavior
- Right: Left sided numbness/weakness, left visual field deficit,
spatial-perceptual deficits, increased distractibility, impulsive behavior, poor
judgement, & lack of awareness of deficits
Increased ICP & Treatment - ANSWER - Normal range: 0-10 mmHg
- Alteration in balance of blood, CSF, & brain matter
- Manifested by change in LOC, agitation, restlessness, slowing of speech, &
slow to respond
,- Treat with Ventriculostomy, VP shunt, Burr holes, or Mannitol
Decorticate Posturing - ANSWER - Characterized by upper extremities flexed
at elbows & held closely to body while lower extremities are externally
rotated & extended
- Occurs when brainstem is not inhibited by the motor function of the
cerebral cortex
Decerebrate Posturing - ANSWER - Characterized by neck is extension with
jaw clenched, pronated & extended that are close to sides, & legs extended
straight out
- Most ominous sign of brain stem damage
- BAD OUTCOMES
ALS Most Important Info - ANSWER - Progressive loss of motor neurons in
CNS
- No cure, focus on management of symptoms
- Affects voluntary muscles
- Worried about airway
- Characterized by progressive weakness/atrophy, muscle cramps, muscle
twitching, loss of coordination, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, difficulty
speaking, difficulty breathing, & dysphagia
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Most Important Info - ANSWER - Autoimmune
disorder affecting nerve cells in CNS causing worsening of voluntary muscle
function
- Characterized by fatigue, pain, paresthesia, diplopia, visual changes,
, tinnitus, vertigo, decreased hearing acuity, & plaques on MRI
- Visual symptoms occur first
- Can follow multiple different courses, relapsing-remitting is most common
Guillien-Barre Most Important Info - ANSWER - Acute paralytic
polyneuropathy cased by a preceding infection
- Characterized by ascending symmetrical weakness starting in legs
- Worried about airway
- Treated with medications & rehab, most patients make full recovery
Parkinson's Disease (PD) Most Important Info - ANSWER - Progressively
debilitating disease that grossly affects motor function
- Characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity, akinesia/bradykinesia, & postural
instability
- No cure
- Want to promote independence as much as possible
- Withhold meds until absolutely necessary
Huntington's Disease (HD) Most Important Info - ANSWER - Characterized by
personality changes, mood swings, depression, impaired judgement,
forgetful ness, unsteady gait, slurred speech, & chorea