| A | B |
|---|
| Skull and spine x-rays | used to identify neurologic abnormalities |
| CT scans | done with or without contrast. Can detect hemorrhage, edema hematoma, aneurysm, as well as size and location of CVA |
| MRI | Used to identify stroke, tumor, trauma, MS and seizures |
| Cerebral Angiography | invasive procedure that combines x-ray and fluoroscopy with injection of contrast media into the vessel to illuminate blood flow through the vessel and evaluates its patency. Uses to detect and aneurysm, brain tumor and stoke. |
| Myelography | identifies spinal cord tumors, herniated intervertebral disks |
| Lumbar Puncture | provides a sample of CSF to analyze for possible meningitis. Client must not move during procedure The client will be in a Lateral recumbent position on the side of the bed with the back toward the physician (in a fetal position) Post – monitor vs, neuro status Monitor puncture site – for leakage of cerebrospinal fluid or hematoma formation Encourage fluid intake – to replace fluids lost. Administer analgesics as ordered – for pain After the procedure the Client is to lay flat 4-24 hours – as ordered by the physician |
| Pet (positive emission tomography) Scan | used to detect brain cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease |
| Electroencephalography (EEG) | Electrodes are placed on the scalp to record brain electrical activity. Done to diagnose epilepsy, brain tumor, abscess, or hematoma, and brain death. Noninvasive procedure that does not cause electric shock. Assist client to wash electrode paste out of hair. |
| Electromyography (EMG) | Needles are inserted into muscles to record electrical activity. Used to diagnose such disorders as multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and spinal cord injury or disease. Explain that there is slight discomfort when the needles are inserted.Tell client to avoid caffeine or nicotine for 3 hours before the test. |
| Evoked potentials | Visual or auditory stimulus evokes electrical activity related to nerve conduction along sensory pathways. Electrodes on the scalp and skin record the activity level. Done to diagnose multiple sclerosis, acoustic neuroma, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord disease, or blindness. Instruct client to wash hair before the |
| Glasgow Coma Scale | Eye opening response, Best verbal response, Best Motor. Pg 960 in your book |
