BLUEPRINT & STUDY GUIDE
Applied Pathophysiology - Concordia St. Paul
Pass the Exam with Confidence
• This exam will cover modules 7-9.
• The test will have multiple choice, matching, sequencing, and
select all that apply style questions.
• See below for an explanation of the aptitude level of each
question.
• Remember to tear up your paper before the last
question.
• We wish you luck!
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NUR 376 Exam #3 Blueprint by Rhaeven Ortiz
This exam will cover modules 7-9. The test will have multiple choice, matching, sequencing, and select all
that apply style questions. See below for an explanation of the aptitude level of each question. Remember
to tear up your paper before the last question. We wish you luck!
M Learning Topic B #
o Objective l ?
d o s
o
m
Modul 7 Neurologic Disorder (CH 33 34 35
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7 Describe the Monroe-Kellie U 1
concept of hypothesis n
intracranial
Intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to the pressure exerted by the contents
d
pressure and the within the skull, which includes brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and
effects of blood. ICP is a critical physiological parameter that helps maintain
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pressure changes homeostasis within the brain. The normal range for ICP is typically between
on brain tissue, 7 and 15 mm Hg in a healthy adult (Capriotti, 2024).
r
blood and CSF.
The brain is encased within the rigid skull, and any increase in the volume s
of its components (brain tissue, blood, or CSF) can lead to elevated ICP. t
This can occur due to various factors such as brain swelling (edema), a
hemorrhage, or an increase in CSF volume due to blockages or
overproduction. As ICP increases, it can have detrimental effects on brain n
tissue, blood flow, and CSF dynamics.
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Effects of ICP Changes on Brain Tissue, Blood, and CSF:
1. Brain Tissue: As ICP rises, brain tissue can become compressed,
reducing the brain's ability to function properly. Compression of
neurons can lead to ischemia (lack of oxygen), cellular damage, and
loss of neurological function. Prolonged elevated ICP can cause
irreversible damage to brain structures.
2. Blood Flow: Elevated ICP can reduce the flow of blood to the brain.
This is due to increased pressure within the cranial cavity, which can
reduce the effective perfusion pressure, leading to ischemia. The
brain’s autoregulatory mechanisms can maintain cerebral blood
flow (CBF) within certain limits, but if ICP continues to rise, the brain
can no longer maintain adequate perfusion, increasing the risk of
brain injury.
3. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): CSF is produced in the ventricles and
plays a role in cushioning the brain. If ICP increases, CSF may be
displaced or its flow may be obstructed, leading to further increases
in pressure. Chronic increases in ICP can also lead to hydrocephalus,
a condition where excessive CSF accumulates within the ventricles,
further compromising brain function.
Monroe-Kellie Hypothesis
The Monroe-Kellie Hypothesis is a foundational concept in understanding
intracranial pressure dynamics. It asserts that the total volume inside the
skull is fixed because the skull is a rigid container. As a result, any increase
in volume of one component (brain tissue, blood, or CSF) must be
compensated by a decrease in the volume of another to maintain stable
ICP. For example, if there is swelling of brain tissue (such as from edema),
there must be a compensatory reduction in the volume of CSF or blood for
ICP to remain stable. However, once the compensatory mechanisms are
overwhelmed (e.g., no more CSF can be displaced or venous blood cannot
be further accommodated), ICP increases, which can lead to herniation
and significant brain damage (Capriotti, 2024).
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