Neurological Disorders
Neurological Disorders
(Diagnostic Studies)
Learning Outcomes * Discuss the various diagnostic studies used in clients with neurological problems
Diagnostic Studies A. X-ray of the skull and spine
- used to rule out fractures, dislocations and curvatures of the spine
1. Preprocedure: * explain the purpose of the procedure; instruct the client to lie still
2. Post procedure: * no follow up is needed
B. Lumbar Puncture (LP)
- insertion of a spinal needle through the L3-L4 into the subarachonoid space to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory analysis to measurepressure or instill medications
1. Preprocedure: * Obtain a written consent * Instruct the client to empty the bladder * Instruct the client to lie still during the procedure
2. Procedure: * Assist the client to assume a lateral recumbent position with knees flexed
3. Post procedure: * Instruct the client to lie flat, generally 4-8 hrs. to prevent spinal headache * Encourage fluids * Monitor the puncture site for leakage of CSF and hematoma
C. Cerebral Angiography (CA)
- the x-ray study of the cerebral vascular system following an injection of contrast medium into the femoral artery
1. Preprocedure: * Explain the procedure * Obtain a written consent * Assess for allergies t iodine * NPO for 8-12 hrs * Inform the client that a warm sensation may be experienced with injection of the dye * Instruct the client to lie still during the procedure * Inform the client that groin discomfort may be felt when the groin puncture is made
2. Procedure: * Administer sedation as prescribed
3. Postprocedure: * Maintain the client on bed rest generally 8-12 hrs * Monitor the puncture dressing * Monitor the VS * Apply pressure to the puncture site with a sandbag * Encourage fluids * Assess the extremity for skin color, temperature, and
(Diagnostic Studies)
Learning Outcomes * Discuss the various diagnostic studies used in clients with neurological problems
Diagnostic Studies A. X-ray of the skull and spine
- used to rule out fractures, dislocations and curvatures of the spine
1. Preprocedure: * explain the purpose of the procedure; instruct the client to lie still
2. Post procedure: * no follow up is needed
B. Lumbar Puncture (LP)
- insertion of a spinal needle through the L3-L4 into the subarachonoid space to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory analysis to measurepressure or instill medications
1. Preprocedure: * Obtain a written consent * Instruct the client to empty the bladder * Instruct the client to lie still during the procedure
2. Procedure: * Assist the client to assume a lateral recumbent position with knees flexed
3. Post procedure: * Instruct the client to lie flat, generally 4-8 hrs. to prevent spinal headache * Encourage fluids * Monitor the puncture site for leakage of CSF and hematoma
C. Cerebral Angiography (CA)
- the x-ray study of the cerebral vascular system following an injection of contrast medium into the femoral artery
1. Preprocedure: * Explain the procedure * Obtain a written consent * Assess for allergies t iodine * NPO for 8-12 hrs * Inform the client that a warm sensation may be experienced with injection of the dye * Instruct the client to lie still during the procedure * Inform the client that groin discomfort may be felt when the groin puncture is made
2. Procedure: * Administer sedation as prescribed
3. Postprocedure: * Maintain the client on bed rest generally 8-12 hrs * Monitor the puncture dressing * Monitor the VS * Apply pressure to the puncture site with a sandbag * Encourage fluids * Assess the extremity for skin color, temperature, and