NUR 170
EXAM 2 STUDY GUIDE
Concepts Of Medical–Surgical Nursing
Galen College of Nursing
, lOMoARcPSD|51648332
NUR170 Exam 2 Study Guide
Neuro: Unit 3
Migraines
Patho/Risk Factors/Causes Assessment Findings-S/S
Patho- Hyperexcitability of the Aura- a sensation that signals the
neurons that leads to dilation of the onset of a migraine
cerebral blood vessels and Pain is typically throbbing and
inflammation. unilateral
Cause-not clear Associated Symptoms-
Triggers (each pt is different, some Nausea
examples include)- Photophobia (sensitivity to
Artificial sweeteners light)
MSG Phonophobia (sensitivity to
Caffeine sound)
Stress Typically lasts 4-72 hours
Nursing Interventions/Treatments Considerations/Teaching
Priority Intervention- Pain Be sure pt knows the difference
management between abortive and preventative
Abortive Therapy (pt should take meds.
mediation at the start of migraine) Triptans-
NSAIDs-decrease inflammation Report any chest pain
Triptans- vasoconstriction May cause flushing or tingling
Ditans- block pain signal and sensations
inflammation w/o DO NOT mix with SSRI’s
vasoconstriction so are Contraindicated in pts with a
considered safe than triptans cardiovascular hx
Ergotamine preparations Ergotamines-
Preventative Therapy (pt should DO NOT give within 24 hrs of a
take medication daily)-These meds triptan
work by decreasing neuron Any beta or calcium-channel blocker
excitability Pt must monitor HR and report
Beta-blockers- Propranolol bradycardia
Calcium Channel Blockers-
Verapamil
Anti-convulsants- Topiramate
Anti-depressants- Nortriptyline
Seizures
Patho/Risk Factors/Causes Assessment Findings-S/S
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, lOMoARcPSD|51648332
Patho- Excessive, uncontrolled firing Types of Seizures:
of brain neurons Generalized:
Epilepsy- Repeated, unprovoked Tonic-clonic- stiffening of the
seizure activity muscles followed by jerking
Causes- May experience incontinence
HTN or become cyanotic
Injury to the brain such as: For up to 1 hr after, pt may be
Trauma, stroke, or tumor confused, lethargic (postictal)
Electrolyte Imbalances: Duration of 2-5 min
Low sodium, low magnesium Myoclonic- jerking of one or more
Alcohol withdrawal extremity. Duration of a few
seconds.
Atonic- sudden loss of muscle tone
High risk of injury
May experience confusion
after
Duration of a few seconds
Partial:
Complex-partial-
Causes meaningless,
repetitive motor activities
called automatisms (example:
wandering)
Patient’s LOC “blackout”-
appears awake
Duration of 1-3 min
Often mistaken for dementia
in older adults
Simple-partial- unpleasant
sensations, feeling of déjà vu,
unilateral jerking movement, or
change in HR
Remains conscious throughout
seizure
Often has aura prior
Diagnosed with EEG
EMERGENCY:
Status Epilepticus- seizure lasting
longer than 5 min or multiple
seizures within 30 min
Nursing Interventions/Treatments Considerations/Teaching
Seizure prevention: AED Considerations:
Antiepileptic drugs (AED’s)- Check drug levels as ordered
Phenytoin b/c AED’s must be within a
Valproic Acid therapeutic range to be
Carbamazepine effective
Downloaded by Benjamin Luca ()
EXAM 2 STUDY GUIDE
Concepts Of Medical–Surgical Nursing
Galen College of Nursing
, lOMoARcPSD|51648332
NUR170 Exam 2 Study Guide
Neuro: Unit 3
Migraines
Patho/Risk Factors/Causes Assessment Findings-S/S
Patho- Hyperexcitability of the Aura- a sensation that signals the
neurons that leads to dilation of the onset of a migraine
cerebral blood vessels and Pain is typically throbbing and
inflammation. unilateral
Cause-not clear Associated Symptoms-
Triggers (each pt is different, some Nausea
examples include)- Photophobia (sensitivity to
Artificial sweeteners light)
MSG Phonophobia (sensitivity to
Caffeine sound)
Stress Typically lasts 4-72 hours
Nursing Interventions/Treatments Considerations/Teaching
Priority Intervention- Pain Be sure pt knows the difference
management between abortive and preventative
Abortive Therapy (pt should take meds.
mediation at the start of migraine) Triptans-
NSAIDs-decrease inflammation Report any chest pain
Triptans- vasoconstriction May cause flushing or tingling
Ditans- block pain signal and sensations
inflammation w/o DO NOT mix with SSRI’s
vasoconstriction so are Contraindicated in pts with a
considered safe than triptans cardiovascular hx
Ergotamine preparations Ergotamines-
Preventative Therapy (pt should DO NOT give within 24 hrs of a
take medication daily)-These meds triptan
work by decreasing neuron Any beta or calcium-channel blocker
excitability Pt must monitor HR and report
Beta-blockers- Propranolol bradycardia
Calcium Channel Blockers-
Verapamil
Anti-convulsants- Topiramate
Anti-depressants- Nortriptyline
Seizures
Patho/Risk Factors/Causes Assessment Findings-S/S
Downloaded by Benjamin Luca ()
, lOMoARcPSD|51648332
Patho- Excessive, uncontrolled firing Types of Seizures:
of brain neurons Generalized:
Epilepsy- Repeated, unprovoked Tonic-clonic- stiffening of the
seizure activity muscles followed by jerking
Causes- May experience incontinence
HTN or become cyanotic
Injury to the brain such as: For up to 1 hr after, pt may be
Trauma, stroke, or tumor confused, lethargic (postictal)
Electrolyte Imbalances: Duration of 2-5 min
Low sodium, low magnesium Myoclonic- jerking of one or more
Alcohol withdrawal extremity. Duration of a few
seconds.
Atonic- sudden loss of muscle tone
High risk of injury
May experience confusion
after
Duration of a few seconds
Partial:
Complex-partial-
Causes meaningless,
repetitive motor activities
called automatisms (example:
wandering)
Patient’s LOC “blackout”-
appears awake
Duration of 1-3 min
Often mistaken for dementia
in older adults
Simple-partial- unpleasant
sensations, feeling of déjà vu,
unilateral jerking movement, or
change in HR
Remains conscious throughout
seizure
Often has aura prior
Diagnosed with EEG
EMERGENCY:
Status Epilepticus- seizure lasting
longer than 5 min or multiple
seizures within 30 min
Nursing Interventions/Treatments Considerations/Teaching
Seizure prevention: AED Considerations:
Antiepileptic drugs (AED’s)- Check drug levels as ordered
Phenytoin b/c AED’s must be within a
Valproic Acid therapeutic range to be
Carbamazepine effective
Downloaded by Benjamin Luca ()
