NSG 3250
EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE
Units 5, 6 & 7
Adult Health Nursing
Galen College of Nursing
This document provides a focused study guide
It summarizes key concepts, lecture highlights, and
exam-relevant material to support efficient last-minute
review. The guide is structured to help students
reinforce understanding, identify weak areas, and
prepare confidently for the assessment.
, NSG 3250: EXAM 3 - Unit 5, 6, & 7
UNIT 5
- Medical scientists have only just begun to understand the brain; it is a mysterious organ that
is so complex and controls every aspects of our ability to function and be human
- In order to properly assess the neurological function, you must understand the functions of
the brain; this helps you to anticipate nursing interventions and expected finding vs
unexpected findings
o The left and right hemispheres have very important and different functions
o Injuries to the brain can affect different abilities
o Knowing what functions relate to which hemisphere allows the nurse to anticipate
the needs of the patient who has a brain injury
Neurological Assessment
- Medical history
- Evaluation of mental status
o Cognition and consciousness
- Mobility and motor system function
o Range, strength, posture, abnormal movements
- Deep tendon reflexes and sensation
o Pain, touch, temp, vibration, position
- Cerebellar function
o Gait, balance, coordination
1
, Rapid/Quick Neurological Assessments
NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale)
Critical focused assessment that gives quick and reliable information on the neuro status
of the patient (high score is bad)
GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale): establishes baseline data
- Eye opening
- Motor response
- Verbal stimuli
Highest score is 15
Diagnostic Evaluation
Computed Tomography (CT)
Pictures are taken showing “slices” of different levels of the brain or spinal cord
Very accurate, quick, painless, least expensive imaging method
Gold standard for ruling out neuro injury
Same evaluation for cerebral angio is completed prior to test
Pt. Education
Inform patient that they may feel a warm or cool sensation after dye is injected
May also have a metallic taste
Cerebral Angiography
- Visualize cerebral circulation to detect blockages in arteries or veins in brain, head, or neck;
catheter is placed in groin to inject dye (patients must sign consent)
2
, Detailed Hx Obtained:
Renal disease
Heart failure
Dehydration
Older age
Rx - such as metformin or NSAIDS (reduce renal perfusion)
Contrast media within the last 72 hrs
Must know kidney function labs prior to test
Allergies
Pt. Education
Patient is awake
Patients may feel a hot or warm sensation when dye is injected.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic fields are used to obtain images to determine abnormal and normal anatomy
Images can be more detailed to assist with proper diagnosis of condition
- Prep:
Same information obtained from patient as CA and CT
NO METAL may enter the imaging room
Contraindicated with patients w/ older tattoos (contains lead)
Contrast can also be used
Requires normal kidney function
Headaches
Etiology – sinus congestion, allergies, stress, or serious neurologic condition
Types – cluster and migraine (the two we need to know about)
Treatment typically occurs in the ambulatory setting
Important to determine a pattern of headaches for proper dx
Cluster Headaches
Manifested by brief (30 min to 2 hrs) intense (non-throbbing) unilateral pain
- Generally occurs in the spring and fall without warning
- Typically develops in men aged 20-50 yrs
Signs and Symptoms:
Pain is felt deep in and around eye
Occurs about the same time of the day for 4-12 wks
Pain may radiate to forehead, temple, or cheek
Ipsilateral tearing
Rhinorrhea
3
EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE
Units 5, 6 & 7
Adult Health Nursing
Galen College of Nursing
This document provides a focused study guide
It summarizes key concepts, lecture highlights, and
exam-relevant material to support efficient last-minute
review. The guide is structured to help students
reinforce understanding, identify weak areas, and
prepare confidently for the assessment.
, NSG 3250: EXAM 3 - Unit 5, 6, & 7
UNIT 5
- Medical scientists have only just begun to understand the brain; it is a mysterious organ that
is so complex and controls every aspects of our ability to function and be human
- In order to properly assess the neurological function, you must understand the functions of
the brain; this helps you to anticipate nursing interventions and expected finding vs
unexpected findings
o The left and right hemispheres have very important and different functions
o Injuries to the brain can affect different abilities
o Knowing what functions relate to which hemisphere allows the nurse to anticipate
the needs of the patient who has a brain injury
Neurological Assessment
- Medical history
- Evaluation of mental status
o Cognition and consciousness
- Mobility and motor system function
o Range, strength, posture, abnormal movements
- Deep tendon reflexes and sensation
o Pain, touch, temp, vibration, position
- Cerebellar function
o Gait, balance, coordination
1
, Rapid/Quick Neurological Assessments
NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale)
Critical focused assessment that gives quick and reliable information on the neuro status
of the patient (high score is bad)
GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale): establishes baseline data
- Eye opening
- Motor response
- Verbal stimuli
Highest score is 15
Diagnostic Evaluation
Computed Tomography (CT)
Pictures are taken showing “slices” of different levels of the brain or spinal cord
Very accurate, quick, painless, least expensive imaging method
Gold standard for ruling out neuro injury
Same evaluation for cerebral angio is completed prior to test
Pt. Education
Inform patient that they may feel a warm or cool sensation after dye is injected
May also have a metallic taste
Cerebral Angiography
- Visualize cerebral circulation to detect blockages in arteries or veins in brain, head, or neck;
catheter is placed in groin to inject dye (patients must sign consent)
2
, Detailed Hx Obtained:
Renal disease
Heart failure
Dehydration
Older age
Rx - such as metformin or NSAIDS (reduce renal perfusion)
Contrast media within the last 72 hrs
Must know kidney function labs prior to test
Allergies
Pt. Education
Patient is awake
Patients may feel a hot or warm sensation when dye is injected.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic fields are used to obtain images to determine abnormal and normal anatomy
Images can be more detailed to assist with proper diagnosis of condition
- Prep:
Same information obtained from patient as CA and CT
NO METAL may enter the imaging room
Contraindicated with patients w/ older tattoos (contains lead)
Contrast can also be used
Requires normal kidney function
Headaches
Etiology – sinus congestion, allergies, stress, or serious neurologic condition
Types – cluster and migraine (the two we need to know about)
Treatment typically occurs in the ambulatory setting
Important to determine a pattern of headaches for proper dx
Cluster Headaches
Manifested by brief (30 min to 2 hrs) intense (non-throbbing) unilateral pain
- Generally occurs in the spring and fall without warning
- Typically develops in men aged 20-50 yrs
Signs and Symptoms:
Pain is felt deep in and around eye
Occurs about the same time of the day for 4-12 wks
Pain may radiate to forehead, temple, or cheek
Ipsilateral tearing
Rhinorrhea
3
