Nr305 Week 3 Assessment of the Neurological System
Nr305 Week 3 Assessment. This week’s graded discussion topic relates to the following Course Outcomes (COs).
CO1 Utilize prior knowledge of theories and principles of nursing and related disciplines to explain expected client behaviors, while differentiating between normal findings, variations, and abnormalities. (PO 1)
CO2 Recognize the influence that developmental stages have on physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual functioning. (PO 1)
CO3 Utilize effective communication when performing a health assessment. (PO 3)
Randy Adams is a 38-year-old male patient of Dr. Joseph Reynolds who was admitted yesterday morning for 24-hour observation for mild concussion following a motor vehicle accident. Randy lost consciousness during the accident and was very confused when he arrived in the ER after EMS transport.Nr305 Week 3 Assessment
He is an Iraq war veteran and he seemed to think after the accident that this all happened in Iraq. Dr. Reynolds is concerned that Randy has some residual problems from a couple of explosive incidents that occurred while he was in Iraq. The physician is unsure whether Randy’s current symptoms are from the car accident or from prior injuries so he has referred him for consultations to both a neurologist and to a behavioral health specialist.Nr305 Week 3 Assessment
Based on the above please discuss the following.
Pathophysiology of concussive injuries and treatment
Neurological assessment tools used in your current practice setting (if not presently working, please describe one used during prior employment or schooling)
Current best practices associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Nursing interventions you would include in this patient’s plan of care
Nr305 Week 3 Assessment Answer
In the context of our current readings, a traumatic brain injury is defined as any blow, jolt, or penetrating head injury causing a disruption in normal brain function, with individualized symptoms and recovery times depending on the injury’s severity (Jarvis, 2016). Observing Randy Adams, it appears he may be grappling with PTSD associated with traumatic brain injury.Nr305 Week 3 Assessment
The optimal treatment for a concussion involves comprehensive rest, encompassing both physical and mental aspects. Physical rest restricts activities like sports and exertion, while mental rest involves minimizing tasks requiring cognitive concentration, such as school work, video games, and prolonged computer use, facilitating the brain’s recovery.Nr305 Week 3 Assessment
In my previous role on a combined cardiac and neurology unit in the hospital, various neurological assessment tools were employed. One notable tool was the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), a widely used measure assessing consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses.
Additionally, tools like the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were utilized to evaluate neurological deficits in stroke patients, aiding in determining appropriate interventions (Brott et al., 1989; Mahoney, 1999). These assessments were integral in guiding patient care and interventions in a neurologically focused healthcare setting.
