Neurological Assessment and Management in the ICU Flashcards
6 cards from real Acute Care Nurse Practitioner practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Neurological Assessment and Management in the ICU flashcards as text
A patient's Glasgow Coma Scale is assessed as E2V3M4. What is the total GCS score?
Answer: 9
GCS = Eye (2) + Verbal (3) + Motor (4) = 9; scores ≤8 typically indicate the need for airway protection.
Which finding on CT scan of the head indicates a subdural hematoma rather than an epidural hematoma?
Answer: Crescent-shaped hyperdense collection crossing suture lines
Subdural hematomas appear crescent-shaped and can cross suture lines because they are contained by the dura, not periosteum.
The ACNP is managing a patient with elevated ICP. What is the target range for cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)?
Answer: 60–70 mmHg
CPP = MAP − ICP; target CPP is 60–70 mmHg in TBI patients to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion without excessive vasodilation.
Which intervention is MOST appropriate for acutely managing elevated ICP (>22 mmHg) in a TBI patient?
Answer: Elevate head of bed to 30° and administer hypertonic saline or mannitol
HOB 30° elevation and osmotic therapy (hypertonic saline or mannitol) are first-line interventions for elevated ICP management.
Cushing's triad, indicating impending cerebral herniation, consists of which three findings?
Answer: Hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations
Cushing's triad = hypertension + bradycardia + irregular respirations, representing the brain's last-ditch response to herniation.
A patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) develops worsening neurological deficits on day 5. Which complication should the ACNP suspect?
Answer: Cerebral vasospasm
Cerebral vasospasm typically occurs 4–14 days after SAH (peak days 7–10), causing delayed ischemic neurological deficits.