Answers
What is encephalitis? Correct Answer: inflammation or
infection of the brain
What causes encephalitis? Correct Answer: West Nile
Virus
Herpes
What are the s/s of encephalitis? Correct Answer: High
fever, N/V, stiff neck
Flu like symptoms
change in LOC
photophobia
pupil changes (dilate & less responsive to light)
What is used to dx encephalitis? Correct Answer: lumbar
puncture
EEG
,CT (looks for mass)
What are N/I for encephalitis? Correct Answer: Neuro
checks
Monitor for s/s of ICP
Suction only resp compromised
HOB 30-45
Decrease stimuli
What is the tx for encephalitis? Correct Answer: acyclovir
What are complications from encephalitis? Correct
Answer: ICP that leads to herniation of brain tissue or
death
What is myasthenia gravis? Correct Answer:
Autoimmune disorder that is characterized by weakness
in the muscles
What causes myasthenia gravis? Correct Answer: lack of
Ach receptor sites, leads to lack of nerve impulses
,What are s/s of myasthenia gravis? Correct Answer:
difficulty holding up head or brushing teeth
double vision
ptosis
dysphagia
loss of bowel & bladder control
decrease sense of smell & taste
How is myasthenia gravis diagnosed? Correct Answer:
tensillon test.
s/s improve with Edrophonium .
How does edrophonium work? Correct Answer: w/in 30-
60sec of 1st dose, most show lots of improvement, lasts
4-5mins
What are n/i for myasthenia gravis? Correct Answer:
assess adls, speech & facial weakness
resp support
, keep oxygen equipment & suction at bedside for r/f of
resp distress
promote mobility
What is tx for myasthenia gravis? Correct Answer:
plasmapherisis
anticholinesterases (pyridostigmine)
immunosuppressants
What is cholinergic crisis? Correct Answer: too much
cholinesterase inhibitor drug
What are s/s of cholinergic crisis? Correct Answer:
fasciculations
hypersalivation
sweating
bronchospasms
increase bronchial secretions
bradycardia