NURS 5355 MIDTERM EXAM WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS 100% VERIFIED
Differentiating white and gray matter
White matter is darker on CT, toward the center. Dark matter is lighter and more
peripheral
Ischemic CVA
Hypodensity. The area of low attenuation, hypodensity, may not be present until 12-24
hrs after the acute event
Epidural hematoma
also known as an "extradural hematoma." Commonly appear as high density,
extra-axial, biconvex, and lens shaped "mass" in the temporoparietal region.
Cannot cross suture lines due to dura fusion to the calvarium at the margins of the
sutures
Subdural hematoma
high attenuation and or density areas that are crescent shaped. Typically concave. Over
time, this hyperdense region may become more isodense.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Hyperdensity in the basal cisterns and fissures, as the result of blood. Most cases, due
to aneurysm rupture. Patients report "worst headache of their life"
Brain window
used to assess for densities that are close to the average density of brain soft tissue.
, Bone window
used to assess for densitiesthat are close to bone density
CT brain anatomy
Hemorrhagic CVA
Increased attenuation, hyperdensity. Following an acute hemorrhagic CVA, the
hyperdensity will be easily visible on a non-contrasted CT due to the hemoglobin
component within blood
Planes
One the far left, axial plane-- most common to assess the brain. Middle - coronal plane.
Right is sagittal plane
Hypodense or hyponintense densities
Appear dark than the normal brain tissue. Can be the result of infarcted tissue, air,
and/or edema
Isodensities
Normal brain tissue
Hyperdense of hyperintense densities
Appear lighter/whiter than normal brain tissue. Can be the result of calcium, contrast
administration, metal such as aneurysm clips, or blood
Hydrocephalus
Dilation of ventricular size relative to an increase in CSF volume
Brain mass with associated oedema
Cerebral oedema
Vasogenic vs cytotoxic
SOLUTIONS 100% VERIFIED
Differentiating white and gray matter
White matter is darker on CT, toward the center. Dark matter is lighter and more
peripheral
Ischemic CVA
Hypodensity. The area of low attenuation, hypodensity, may not be present until 12-24
hrs after the acute event
Epidural hematoma
also known as an "extradural hematoma." Commonly appear as high density,
extra-axial, biconvex, and lens shaped "mass" in the temporoparietal region.
Cannot cross suture lines due to dura fusion to the calvarium at the margins of the
sutures
Subdural hematoma
high attenuation and or density areas that are crescent shaped. Typically concave. Over
time, this hyperdense region may become more isodense.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Hyperdensity in the basal cisterns and fissures, as the result of blood. Most cases, due
to aneurysm rupture. Patients report "worst headache of their life"
Brain window
used to assess for densities that are close to the average density of brain soft tissue.
, Bone window
used to assess for densitiesthat are close to bone density
CT brain anatomy
Hemorrhagic CVA
Increased attenuation, hyperdensity. Following an acute hemorrhagic CVA, the
hyperdensity will be easily visible on a non-contrasted CT due to the hemoglobin
component within blood
Planes
One the far left, axial plane-- most common to assess the brain. Middle - coronal plane.
Right is sagittal plane
Hypodense or hyponintense densities
Appear dark than the normal brain tissue. Can be the result of infarcted tissue, air,
and/or edema
Isodensities
Normal brain tissue
Hyperdense of hyperintense densities
Appear lighter/whiter than normal brain tissue. Can be the result of calcium, contrast
administration, metal such as aneurysm clips, or blood
Hydrocephalus
Dilation of ventricular size relative to an increase in CSF volume
Brain mass with associated oedema
Cerebral oedema
Vasogenic vs cytotoxic
