NUR265 Master Study Guide
(Based on Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care,
11th ed.)
Neurological Disorders
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Patients most at risk: young adults, older adults, military/veterans, athletes
• Mild TBI (concussion) – expected symptoms:
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, photophobia
- Confusion, poor concentration, memory issues
- Mood/behavioral changes, sleep disturbance
• Concussion discharge teaching:
- Avoid alcohol, sedatives, opioids
- No driving/contact sports until cleared
- Return if: worsening headache, vomiting, seizures, unequal pupils
• Cushing’s Triad (↑ICP, late sign):
- Widening pulse pressure
- Bradycardia
- Irregular respirations
Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
• Prevention:
- Environment: quiet, dim lights
- Positioning: HOB 30°, neutral alignment
- Avoid hypercapnia (PaCO₂ 35–45)
- Prevent hypotension (maintain CPP ≥70 mmHg)
- Temperature regulation (treat fever promptly)
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
• Eye opening (1–4), Verbal response (1–5), Motor response (1–6)
• Normal: 15; Severe: ≤8
Post-Craniotomy Complications
• Hemorrhage: monitor neuro checks, drainage, ICP
• SIADH:
- Findings: oliguria, hyponatremia, confusion, seizures
- Management: fluid restriction, hypertonic saline, strict I&O
This study source was downloaded by 100000804717335 from CourseHero.com on 11-21-2025 04:17:12 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/252796187/NUR265-Master-Study-Guidepdf/
(Based on Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care,
11th ed.)
Neurological Disorders
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Patients most at risk: young adults, older adults, military/veterans, athletes
• Mild TBI (concussion) – expected symptoms:
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, photophobia
- Confusion, poor concentration, memory issues
- Mood/behavioral changes, sleep disturbance
• Concussion discharge teaching:
- Avoid alcohol, sedatives, opioids
- No driving/contact sports until cleared
- Return if: worsening headache, vomiting, seizures, unequal pupils
• Cushing’s Triad (↑ICP, late sign):
- Widening pulse pressure
- Bradycardia
- Irregular respirations
Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
• Prevention:
- Environment: quiet, dim lights
- Positioning: HOB 30°, neutral alignment
- Avoid hypercapnia (PaCO₂ 35–45)
- Prevent hypotension (maintain CPP ≥70 mmHg)
- Temperature regulation (treat fever promptly)
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
• Eye opening (1–4), Verbal response (1–5), Motor response (1–6)
• Normal: 15; Severe: ≤8
Post-Craniotomy Complications
• Hemorrhage: monitor neuro checks, drainage, ICP
• SIADH:
- Findings: oliguria, hyponatremia, confusion, seizures
- Management: fluid restriction, hypertonic saline, strict I&O
This study source was downloaded by 100000804717335 from CourseHero.com on 11-21-2025 04:17:12 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/252796187/NUR265-Master-Study-Guidepdf/