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283 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
normal range of pH
7.35-7.45
normal range of pCO2
35-45mm Hg
normal range of HCO3
22-26 mEq/L
respiratory component of ABG
pCO2
metabolic component of ABG
HCO3
how do you determine full or partial compensation in an ABG
if pH is normal, full compensation; if opp component is normal NO compensation
when assessing the airway what precautions are important to maintain with trauma patients
C-spine
#1 cause of an obstructed airway in conscious pt
food
#1 cause of an obstructed airway in unconscioius pt
tongue
what object can we use to align the airway properly
small towel beneath shoulders
when do we use jaw thrust
when trauma is suspected
when is an oropharyngeal airway appropriate
used to maintain airway of unresponsive pt who has no gag reflex
how do we determine appropriate size for an OPA
corner of the mouth to the tip of the earlobe
when do we use a nasopharyngeal airway
in patients that still have an intact gag reflex
how do we measure for a nasopharyngeal airway
from the tip of the earlobe to the tip of the nose; should also fit in diameter of nose
the beveled edge of a nasopharyngeal airway goes where
against the septum
what is the purpose of RSI
to facilitate endotracheal intubation with the least likelihood of aspiration
what can you ask the pt to do to tell if they are able to protect their airway
swallow(best) or cough
what MUST we do prior to RSI
preoxygenation (over 5 mins if possible)
after preoxygenation and before intubating what do we need to give to pt
LOAD (lidocaine, opiate, atropine, defasciculation) for comfort
sellick's maneuver
pressure on the cricoid cartilage to prevent passive regurgitation of gastric contents
when intubating, the tube goes where
in between vocal chords
techniques used for confirmation of placement of ET tube
end tidal CO2(gold standard), misting, pulse ox, breath sounds, colormetric end tidal CO2, aspiration techniques
which vital sign usually indicates inadequate sedation after intubation
hypertension
class I airway
fully visible uvula; open space in back of mouth
class II airway
uvula still visible; tongue partially covers open space
class III airway
no open space; uvula only partially visible
class IV airway
no open space; uvula not visible
what do we do if SaO2 goes down after intubation
DOPE; dislodged, obstructed, pneumothorax, equipment failure
when is an adjunct airway indicated
failed airway not due to foreign body obstruction; skill level does not permit intubation; ET felt to be impossible
when is an adjunct airway contraindicated
pt is responsive; intact gag reflex; known esophageal disease; ingestion of caustic substances; upper airway obstruction due to foreign body
describe a laryngeal mask airway
designed to cover supraglottic area; used as temporizing agent in failed airway; pt must be sedated
indications for chest tubes
remove air, fluid, remove blood, restore negative pressure, re expand collapsed lung, pleural or mediastinal after surgery, drainage holes, radioopaque marker
chest tube location
for air: 2nd or 3rd ICS MCL, directed toward apex; for fluid: 5th or 6th ICS, MAL, directed posterior
after inserting chest tube what do we need to do?
CXR to r/o pneumothorax/trauma and confirm location
what is a heimlich flutter valve
treatment of pneumothoraces; one way valve allows air to escape but not re-enter pleural space
how is the water seal chamber used
fill to 2cm sterile water
what does bubbling in the water seal chamber indicate
air leak
describe tidaling as related to a chest tube
fluctuation in water seal chambers fluid level that corresponds with respiration
the water in the water seal chamber goes which direction upon inspiration/expiration
inspiration-rises; expiration-falls
in a mechanically ventilated pt how does the water in the water seal chamber move
inspiration-fall; expiration-rise
if the water seal chamber has no movment what may be indicated
occluded chest tube or lungs are fully expanded
when is it appropriate to clamp a chest tube
assessing for air leak; prior to removing CT; sclerosing
when should we NOT clamp a chest tube
if there is an air leak from the lung-will cause a pneumothorax; during transport
how do we determine where the air leak in a chest tube is
indicated by continuous bubbling; clamp CT close to dressing; if bubbling stops leak is at site of insertion or within chest; if continues, between clamp and drainage system
list some appropriate nursing interventions for CT
semi fowlers or elevate HOB; keep all tubes straight; keep drainage system below chest level; all connections taped; do not strip or milk tubing
a sudden increase in CT drainage indicates
hemorrhage or sudden patency of previously obstructed tube
a sudden decrease in CT drainage indicates
CT obstruction or failure of CT or drainage system
what do we do if CT falls out or accidentally pulled out
quickly seal off site; use petroleum guaze covered with dry gauze and occlusive tape to prevent air from re-entering cavity
what is SIRS
systemic inflammatory response syndrome; systemic level of acute inflammation, that may or may not be due to infection
s/s of SIRS
fever, hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, elevated WBC, impaired gas exchange, metabolic acidosis, oliguria, hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy
labs affected by DIC
decreased platelet count, prolonged FDP, decreased factor assay, prolonged PT, prolonged APTT, prolonged thrombin time, decreased fibrinogen, prolonged D dimer, decreased antithrombin
indication for platelet factor 4 antibody test
to identify antibodies to platelet factor 4 leading to heparin induced thrombocytopenia and excessive bleeding
why are cortisol levels important
may show problems with adrenals or pituitary
why are lactate levels important
indirect assessment of oxygen levels in blood; may determine course and cause of lactic acidosis
one of the most important and early interventions in tx of sepsis
rapidly identifying source/fluids?
what does an increase in eosinophils indicate
parasitic infestation, collagen vascular disease, addisons, allergic reaction
normal resp rate on ventilator
8-12 breaths/min
normal tidal volume on vent
5-8 ml/kg ideal body weight
normal tidal volume
10-15 ml/kg ideal body weight
why is the tidal volume on mech vent lower
positive pressure can create damage to lungs if we overfill
minute volume
volume of air that is moved through the lungs over 1 minute
normal minute volume
5-10 L
which resp measurement is a good indicator of diaphragm function
vital capacity
vital capacity
maximum amount of air exhaled after a maximum inspiration
normal vital capacity
65 ml/kg ideal body weight
FiO2
fraction of inspired oxygen; amount of oxygen being delivered
when does oxygen toxicity occur in relation to FiO2
FiO2 > 50-60% for > 24 hours
what is the lowest level of PaO2 we can accept and still adequately load hemoglobin
60%
purpose of lidocaine before intubation
increases depth of anesthesia, suppresses cough reflex
purpose of fentanyl before intubation
suppresses resp effort; opiod analgesic
adverse effects of fentanyl
hypotension
etomidate use
sedative/induction agent
adverse effects of etomidate
involuntary myoclonic movements; adrenal suppression
midazolam uses
anxiolytic, induction of anesthesia, sedation, anticonvulsant, amnestic
indication for propofol
induction of anesthesia
adverse effect of propofol
significant hypotension
2 classifications of muscle relaxants
depolarizing neuromuscular blocking and non depolarizing
classification of succinylcholine
depolarizing NMBA
contraindications for succinylcholine
hyperkalemia; hx of malignant hyperthermia; ongoing neuromuscular disease
why do we not redose succinylcholine
cases of profound, unrecoverable bradycardia
non depolarizing NMBAs can be reversed by what
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
examples of non depolarizing NMBA
mivacron, vecuronium, rocuronium, pavulon
what are the 4 factors of respiratory function
neurochemical control of ventilation; mechanics of breathing; gas transport; control of pulmonary circulation
which respiratory center is responsible for normal rhythmic breathing
dorsal respiratory group
define negative inspiratory force or negative inspiratory pressure
how much negative pressure change can the pt generate with max inspiratory efford
normal range of NIF/NIP
neg 80 to -100 cm H2O
describe peak inspiratory pressure
how much pressure is reached in the lung at the peak of inspiration
at what PIP does does volutrauma occur
50+ pressures
when the patient's PIP does not match the set PIP what should we do
listen to lungs; can indicate fluid overload or secretion buildup
describe PEEP
positive end expiratory pressure; pressure that is maintained in the lungs at the end of expiration
what is the normal level of PEEP normally maintained in our lungs
5cm
what does PEEP do for our lungs
keeps the alveoli open at the end of exhalation; diseased lungs can have no PEEP
at what level does PEEP get too high
>15
what are the effects of high PIP and PEEP
increased volutrauma, increased chance for pneumothorax, decreased venous return to heart, may cause hypotension, increase auto PEEP
what does the sensitivity setting on a ventilator do
controls the amount of pt effort needed to initiate an inspiration; measured by NIF
normal setting for sensitivity
neg 2
list some indications for mechanical ventilation
supporting gas exchange, lung volume, work of breathing, reverse hypoxemia and resp acidosis, relieve resp distress, stabilize chest wall, decrease O2 consumption
types of ventilators
negative pressure-applied externally to pt; positive pressure-forces air into lungs via ET tube or trach-used today
three parameters that control mechanical ventilation
trigger, limit, cycle
mech vent trigger
event that begins inspiration; can be pt initiated or machine initiated
mandatory breath
vent delivers breath by itself
spontaneous breath
initiated by pt
mech vent limit
limits set to maintain airflow during inspiration; flow rate (IFR), set pressure(PIP), volume limited (VT)
mech vent cycle
event that ends inspiration; volume cycled, pressure cycled or pressure support
modes of mech ventilation
assist control; synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV); pressure support (PSV); continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP); bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP)
initial mech vent mode of choice
assist control (AC)
describe basics of assist control
set Vt, RR, FiO2 &/or PEEP; trigger is either machine or pt; if pt, machine still delivers set amounts
describe SIMV
Vt, RR, FiO2, PEEP and sensitivity are preset; trigger may be spontaneous or mandatory; on pt initiated breaths, machine does not deliver any volume
describe PSV
no set Vt or RR; pt's effort determines RR, IFR, Vt; delivers air to set pressure early in inspiration
which vent mode is used for weaning and extubation
PSV
which two modes can be used in conjuction
SIMV and PSV
describe CPAP
positive pressure maintained through resp cycle; similar to PEEP
what is CPAP used for
weaning mode; nocturnal ventilation; OSA
describe BiPAP
provides both inspiratory and expiratory pressure support; pressures can be different
what is BiPAP used for
weaning; hypoventilation; sleep apnea
a low pressure alarm on vent usually indicates
cuff leak; dislodged ET tube; broken circuit
PIP alarm can indicate
decreased compliance; kinked ET tube; mucous plug; increased secretions; water in circuit; pneumothorax
when vent is not working correctly what do we do first
DOPE; dislodged, obstructed, pneumothorax, equipment failure
why do we warm and humidify air from artificial airways
no humidification leads to mucous plugs, secretions, drying out of airway
a pt on a vent should always also have what
some kind of gastric decompression
positioning for pt on vent
HOB up 30 degrees
how do we prevent ARDS and VAP
handwashing and frequent oral care
volutrauma
barotrauma; mech vent and PEEP can over distend and rupture alveoli air leaking
how can a vent cause cardiac complications
increased intrathoracic pressure causes decreased venous return to heart=decreased preload=decreased CO=decreased hepatic, renal, CNS perfusion
how often do we change ETT tape/ties
every 24 hours; move to other side of mouth
when adjusting ETT, what do we always do
auscultate breath sounds after repositioning, changing tube or ties
before weaning from vent, what must be addressed
reason for resp distress must be fixed or weaning will fail
sepsis
inflammatory process that is out of control
MODS
multiple organ dysfunction syndrome; begins with sepsis
primary cause of MODS
cell death related to severe ischemia or sepsis
what system is usually first to fail with MODS
respiratory
4 phases of MODS
general increased capillary permeability, hypermetabolic state, organ malfunction, organs return to normal and/or permanent damage (death)
major treatments for shock and MODS
adequate fluid resuscitation; support cardiac function; support ventilation; adequate nutrional support; sedation
which blood gas crosses the brain barrier and what happens when it does
CO2; when hydrogen ions are detected resp rate and depth increase
compliance
measure of distensibility; determined by alveolar surface tension and elastic recoil
which resp disorder has too much compliance? Too little?
COPD too much; pneumonia too little
2 primary components of ventilation
resp rate and tidal volume
best indicator of diaphragm function
vital capacity
what does seesaw breathing indicate
indicates diaphragm is not functioning
hypoxia vs hypoxemia
hypoxia=lack of available oxygen; hypoxemia=problem with oxygen transport
what does clubbing of the fingers indicate
chronic hypoxic conditions
the trachea deviates to what side with tension pneumothorax
away from affected side
the trachea deviates to what side with severe atelectasis
towards affected side
how do we assess neck vein distention
HOB elevated; collapse upon inspiration; distend on expiration
why do distended neck veins collapse upon inspiration
thoracic pressure increases
kussmaul's respirations
fast and deep; assoc with DKA
cheyne stokes respirations
alt periods of deep and shallow with apnea; head injuries
biot or ataxic respirations
no pattern; irregular with apnea; severe head injuries; generally from ICP pushing on brain stem
what causes subcutaneous emphysema
large leaks in airway; ventilator pressure; chest tube not patent; CT drainage port beneath skin and not in pleural space
bowel sounds in chest indicate
ruptured diaphragm
egophony
ee sounds like ay; indicates consolidation
bronchophony
99 sounds very loud and clear; indicates consolidation
whispered pectoriloquy
can hear whispered sounds upon auscultation; should not be able to; indicates consolidation
normal PaO2
80-100
why does the apex of the lung have less circulation
alveolar pressure is greater than blood pressure
type 1 alveolar cells
provide structure and fluid barrier
type 2 alveolar cells
produce surfactant
type 3 alveolar cells
macrophages
what is surfactant and what is its function
lipoprotein that facilitates expansion during inspiration
V/Q balance
ventilation=perfusion
a low v/q balance indicates
bad ventilation, good perfusion; ex: asthma
a high v/q balance indicates
lots of volume, bad perfusion; ex: COPD
low v/q ratios caused by
pneumonia, atelectasis, tumors, mucous plug
high v/q rations caused by
PE, pulmonary infarct, cardiogenic shock, mech vent
silent unit
both v/q are decreased; ex: pneumothorax, severe ARDS
normal PaO2/FiO2 ratio
>400
What ratio of PaO2/FiO2 indicates ARDS
<200
acute respiratory failure
when the pulmonary system fails to maintain adequate gas exchange
hallmark symptom of ARF
hypoxemia or hypercapnia
hypoxemic ARF caused by
disorders that interfere with O2 transfer to blood; pneumonia, PE, pulmonary edema, alveolar injury secondary to inhaled gases; alveolar damage second to ventilation; decreased CO, heart failure
hypercapnic ARF caused by
insufficient CO2 removal; increased CO2 with decreased pH; drug OD, CNS depressant, neuromuscular diseases, trauma to CNS, acute asthma
pulmonary embolism
obstruction of pulmonary artery or its branches by a thrombus/emboli that originates in the venous system or right heart
hallmark of ARDS
pulmonary edema in the absence of cardiac failure
three phases of ARDS
exudative, proliferative, fibrotic
s/s of exudative phase of ARDS
restlessness, apprehension, progressive dyspnea and tachypnea, moderate use of accessory muscles, breath sounds usually clear, mild resp alkalosis
s/s of proliferative phase of ARDS
agitation, increased resp distress and excessive accessory muscle use, fatigue, fine crackles, refractory hypoxemia, hypercapnia, resp acidosis, CXR whiteout
pulmonary contusion
assoc with chest trauma; rapid compression and decompression of chest wall
manifestations of pulmonary contusion
interstitial and intra-alveolar hemorrhage; alveolar edema; atelectasis
flail chest
free floating rib segments; ribs suck in when breathing; can lead to lung punctures
criteria for referral to burn unit
2nd & 3rd degree over 10% TBSA; all 3rd degree over 5%; suspecting inhalation; electrical; chemical; pedi; burn victims with coexisting diseases; burns of hands, face, feet, genitalia, major joint
describe the rule of palms
used for scattered burns; the patient's palm size is 1% of their body
what #s correspond to what body part with rule of 9s
9 for chest, back, abdomen, lower back, front of legs, back of legs; 4.5 for face, back of head, front of arms, back of arms; 1 for genitalia
what causes tissue to continue to be destroyed for 48 hours post burn injury
release of local mediators; immune inflammatory response; coagulation system
3 zones of injury
zone of coagulation, zone of stasis, zone of hyperemia
describe first degree burns
heal w/o intervention, superficial, epidermal layer only, pink to red w/ no blisters
describe second degree burns
partial thickness, epidermal and dermal layer involved, red mottled pink edges, hair intact, blanches to touch, 1-6 weeks to heal
describe third degree burns
full dermal layer involved; white, chery red, charred, leather like texture; no clear pain, insensate, may ache
inhalation injuries can be caused by
carbon monoxide, soot, chemical, thermal, aspiration
hallmark sign of CO poisoning
cherry red cheeks
baxter/parkland formula
fluid resuscitation; weight in kg X TBSA X 4ml
what fluid do we use for burn pt replacement
lactated ringers
at what rate do we admin the amount figured with baxter/parkland formula
1/2 in first 8 hours; other half in following 16 hours
three major phases of burn management
resuscitative, reparative, rehabilitative and reconstructive
first thing we address with burn victims
ABC!
what do we address in the resuscitative phase of burn care
protect the team, ABCs, protect airway, fluid needs, metabolic and electrolyte, psychosocial
what needs are addressed in the reparative phase of burn care
wound care; nutritional support; management of pain; prevention of contractures; wound management; psychosocial
needs addressed in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase of burn care
on going skin needs; activity needs; self concept and depression; noncompliance with care
pathophysiology of a burn
burn-vascular permeability-edema-decreased blood volume-increased peripheral resistance-burn shock; decreased intravascular volume-increased hematocrit-increased viscosity-increased peripheral resistance-burn shock
3 things that usually cause cord compression
bone displacement; interruption of blood supply to cord; traction resulting from pulling on cord
2 types of spinal cord injury
cord compression, penetrating trauma
primary spinal cord injury
initial mechanical disruption of axons as a result of stretch or laceration
secondary spinal cord injury
ongoing, progressive damage that occurs after initial injury
what secondary injuries cause the most damage to the spinal cord
edema secondary to inflammatory response; causes ischemic damage
describe spinal shock
temporary neurologic syndrome; characterized by loss of reflexes, loss of sensation, flaccid paralysis below level of injury; experienced by 50% of acute spinal cord injuries
describe neurogenic shock
loss of vasomotor tone caused by injury; characterized by hypotension and bradycardia; peripheral vasodilation, venous pooling, decreased cardiac output
major mechanisms of spinal injury
flexion or hyperflexion; hyperextension; compression or axial loading; rotational
how does hyperflexion injury the spinal cord
compression, dislocation, instability, ruptured ligaments
how does hyperextension injure the spinal cord
head accelerated and decelerated; vertebrae may fracture or subluxate; spinal cord stretched and distorted; contusion and ischemia of SC
describe axial loading
vertical force along SC (landing on feet, butt, head); vertebrae shatter (wedge, burst or teardrop fx); bone fragments damage SC
how does a rotational injury damage the SC
tearing of posterior ligaments; displacement of the spinal column
central cord syndrome
occurs most commonly in cervical area; motor weakness and sensory loss are present in both upper and lower extremities; greater loss in arms than legs
anterior cord syndrome
compromised blood flow to anterior spinal cord
brown sequard syndrome
damage to one half of spinal cord; loss of motor function and position and vibration sense on same side of injury; paralysis on same side as lesion; opp side has loss of pain and temp sensation below level of lesion
posterior cord syndrome
compression or damage to posterior spinal artery; RARE; pain, temp sensation and motor function below level of lesion remain intact
immediate post spinal cord injury problems
patent airway; adequate ventilation; adequate circulating blood volume; preventing secondary damage
what major resp function is lost with a C3 and above injury
phrenic nerve function; cannot cough or clear airway
what major resp function is lost C3-C5 injury
diaphragmatic innervation; hard to cough or clear airway
what major resp function is lost with C6-T8 injury
intercostals
poikilothermism
adjustment of body temp to room temp
issues with temp control below level of spinal cord injury
below level of injury no vasoconstriction, piloerection or heat loss through perspiration
criteria for early surgery on spinal injury
evidence of cord compression; progressive neurologic deficit; compound fx; bony fragments; penetrating wounds of spinal cord or surrounding structures
what is kinetic therapy
uses a continual side to side rotation; decreases pressure ulcers and cardiopulmonary complications
why can return of reflexes complicate rehab
they can be hyperactive, exaggerated or spastic; family may see this as return of function
oral meds commonly used for spasticity related to spinal cord injuries
baclofen, dantrolene, gabapentin
autonomic dysreflexia
massive uncompensated cardiovascular reaction mediated by sympathetic nervous system; occurs in response to visceral stimulation; life threatening
what is the most common precipitating factor for autonomic dysreflexia
distended bladder or rectum
s/s of autonomic dysreflexia
hypertension, blurred vision, throbbing headache, marked diaphoresis above lesion level
where is an epidural hematoma located
between dura and skull
where is a subdural hematoma located
between outer arachnoid membrane and dura
where is a subarachnoid hematoma located
between outer arachnoid membrane and pia mater
types of noxious stimuli
nailbed pressure, sternal rub, supraorbital pressure, trapezius squeeze
describe decorticate posturing
feet and hands are rotated in
describe decerebrate posturing
feet and hands are rotated out
cranial nerve 1 controls
olfactory; sensory nerve
cranial nerve II controls
optic; sensory nerve; vision, pupil reactivity to light and accomodation
cranial nerve III controls
oculomotor; motor nerve; eyelid elevation; most EOMs; pupil size and reactivity
factors that influence ICP
arterial pressure, venous pressure, intraabdominal and intrathoracic pressure, posture, temp, blood gases
normal ICP consists of what 3 components
brain tissue, blood and CSF
what ICP component is the first to change under pressure
CSF; either absorbs or stops producing
what is CPP
cerebral perfusion pressure; pressure needed to ensure blood flow to the brain
how do we figure CPP
MAP-ICP
normal CPP
70-100 mm Hg
three types of cerebral edema
vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial
vasogenic cerebral edema
most common; occurs mainly in white matter; assoc with changes in endothelial lining of cerebral capillaries
cytotoxic cerebral edema
mainly in gray matter; disruption of functional integrity of cell membranes
interstitial cerebral edema
pt with uncontrolled hydrocephalus
s/s of increased ICP
restlessness, increasing drowsiness, pupillary changes, impaired ocular movments, tinnitus, HA, vomiting; change in LOC; cushings triad; decrease in motor function
two major complications of uncontrolled increased ICP
inadequate cerebral perfusion; cerebral herniation
types of cerebral herniation
tentorial, uncal, cingulate
when is a pt fitted with an ICP measurement device
GCS of 8 orless; abnormal CT scan or MRI; hx of neurological insult
gold standard for ICP monitoring
ventriculostomy
inaccurate ICP measurements can be caused by
CSF leaks; obstruction in catheter; differences in height of bolt/transducer; kinks in tubing; incorrect height of patient's drainage system relative to pt's reference point
what is the parenchyma in the skull
brain tissue; wrapped in the pia mater; divided into cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem
describe the cerebrum
cerebral hemispheres are connected by corpus callosum; right and left lobes: frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital; diencephalon
what does the cerebellum control
coordination, muscle tone, fine motor activity
with a head injury, death occurs at which 3 points in time and why
immediately after injury; within 2 hours due to hemorrhage or edema; 3 weeks later (usually MODS)
describe the types of skull fractures
linear-low impact; depressed-severe blow; simple; comminuted-splintered; compound-crossed over
signs of a basilar skull fracture
battles sign; conjugate gaze; facial paralysis; spinal fluids from ear or nose
describe a diffuse axonal injury
widespread axonal damage occurring after a mild, moderate or severe TBI; not a lucid period of time with this injury; process takes about 12-24 hours
where does damage occur with a diffuse axonal injury
axons in subcortical white matter of cerebral hemispheres; basal ganglia; thalamus; brainstem
clinical signs of a DAI
decreased LOC, increased ICP, decerebration or decortication, global cerebral edema
origin of epidural hematoma
arterial, most often the middle meningeal
classic signs of epidural hematoma
initial period of unconsiousness; brief lucid interval followed by decrease in LOC; HA, N/V, focal findings
most common source of subdural hematoma
small bridging veins
signs of acute subdural hematoma
within 48 hours of injury; drowsy, confused, ipsilateral pupil dilates and becomes fixed; similar s/s as increased ICP
most common causes of subarachnoid hematoma
subarachnoid aneurysm, head trauma, hypertension
s/s of subaracnoid hematoma
thunderclap HA, nuchal rigidity, photophobia
how do we treat a berry aneurysm
Triple H therapy; hypervolemia, arterial hypertension, hemodilution
what is the lowest possble GCS score
3
when do we intubate based on GCS
score of 8 or less
what does an abnormal dolls eye movement indicate
brainstem injury
describe normal dolls eye
eyes move opposite direction of head rotation
describe abnormal dolls eye
eyes follow direction of head rotation
what two other signs generally accompany an abnormal dolls eye
possible loss of gag and cough reflex
describe the oculovestibular reflex
cold water in ear; normal-nystagmus, eyes move slowly toward ear and rapid movement away; abnormal-eyes remain fixed at midline position
what can an abnormal oculovestibular reflex indicate
severe brainstem damage
what drugs can cause an inhibition of the oculovestibular reflex
neuromuscular blockers; barbituates
criteria for a persisitent vegetative state
absense of awareness of self; inability to interact with others; lack of language comprehension; brain stem function to maintain life; condition has continued for at least 1 month
brain death
irreversible loss of function of the brain including brain stem; repeat eval done at least 6 hours later
criteria to measure brain death
absence of corneal reflex and gag reflex; presence of apnea; angiography demonstrates empty head syndrome
empty head syndrome
dye does not move through blood vessels in brain like it should
texas criteria for dr to designate brain death
intubated and on ventilator; no sedation; GCS less than 5; no response to painful stimuli