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Acute Intercranial Problems
Neuro
18
Nursing
Undergraduate 4
04/24/2012

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Cards

Term
Intercranial Pressure (ICP)
Definition

hydrostatic force measured in the brain CSF compartment

Under normal conditions-volume remains constant

Term
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ICP:
Definition

1) arterial pressure

2) venous pressure

3) intra-abdominal pressure

4) posture

5) temp

6) blood gases

Term
Where can ICP be measured?
Definition
ventricles, subarachnoid space, subdural space, epidural space or brain tissue
Term
NORMAL ICP RANGE
Definition
5-15mm/Hg
Term
The initial compensitory mechanisms to change CSF fluid volume are:
Definition

1. altering CSF absorption or production

2. displacement into the subarachnoid space

Term
Cerebral blood flow is:
Definition
the amount of blood in mL passing through 100 g of brain tissue in 1 min.
Term
Causes of ICP are:
Definition
hematoma, contusion, abscess, tumor, cerebral edema, hyrdocephalus, head injury, or metabolic insult
Term
Changes in vital signs are caused by (in ICP):
Definition
pressure on the thalamus, hypothalmus, pons, and medulla
Term
 What is the most sensitive and reliable indicator of a patients neurologic status?
Definition
LOC's
Term
Changes in LOC's are a result of impaired cerebral blood flow this in turn:
Definition
deprives cells of the cerebral cortex and reticular activating system of oxygen
Term
Cushings triad
Definition

1.systolic hypertension with widening pulse pressure

2. bradycardia with bounding pulse

3. irregular respirations

Term
Cushings triad is a medical emergency and this is a sign of:
Definition
brainstem compression and impending death
Term
Patients with conditions known to elevate ICP usually undergo ICP monitoring. What is the gold standard for ICP monitoring?
Definition
Ventriculostomy which is a specialized catheter inserted into the lateral ventrical and coupled into an external tranducer
Term
What is alternative technology to the "gold standard" for ICP monitoring?
Definition

1. a fiberoptic catheter, uses a sensor transducer within the catheter tip.

 

2. Subarachnoid bolt- placed through the skull between the arachnoid membrane and cerebral cortex ** does not allow for cerebral drainage

 

Term
What is a serious and big complication with ICP monitoring?
Definition
Infection
Term

Subjective data should be gained from the patient or family- describe LOC by noting specific behaviors of the patient.

 

What should be used when deviation from normal occures?

Definition
Glascow coma scale and body functions
Term

NEURO ASSESSMENT:

COMPARE PUPILS-If ICP continues to increase what happens to the eyes? 

Definition
both pupils dilate
Term
As ICP increases, LOC decreses and the patient is at risk for what?
Definition
Airway obstruction from the tounge dropping back into the throat. Maitanence of the airway is critical and a primary nursing responsibility.
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