MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING CONCEPTS
(NURS 242) Neurological & Musculoskeletal
Systems EXAM 4 STUDY GUIDE GALEN
COLLEGE OF NURSING.
, Med-Surg NUR 242 Exam 4 Study Guide
NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEM
Lumbar Puncture
• Positioning: Fetal position or leaning forward to widen intervertebral spaces.
• Purpose: Collect CSF for infection, bleeding, or multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
• Post-procedure care:
o Lay flat for 4–8 hours to prevent spinal headache.
o Encourage fluids to replace CSF volume.
o Monitor puncture site for clear fluid leakage.
o Assess for headache, back pain, or signs of infection (fever, nuchal rigidity).
Migraines
• Types: With aura (classic), without aura (common).
• Meds:
o Abortive: Triptans (sumatriptan), NSAIDs, ergotamines.
o Preventive: Beta-blockers (propranolol), anticonvulsants (topiramate),
antidepressants (amitriptyline).
• Patient Teaching:
o Identify and avoid triggers (e.g., stress, chocolate, wine).
o Use medication at onset of symptoms.
o Keep a headache diary.
Seizures
• Types: Generalized (tonic-clonic), partial (focal), absence.
• Seizure precautions:
o Padded side rails, oxygen/suction at bedside.
o Turn patient to side, loosen clothing, protect head.
o Do not restrain or insert anything into mouth.
(NURS 242) Neurological & Musculoskeletal
Systems EXAM 4 STUDY GUIDE GALEN
COLLEGE OF NURSING.
, Med-Surg NUR 242 Exam 4 Study Guide
NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEM
Lumbar Puncture
• Positioning: Fetal position or leaning forward to widen intervertebral spaces.
• Purpose: Collect CSF for infection, bleeding, or multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
• Post-procedure care:
o Lay flat for 4–8 hours to prevent spinal headache.
o Encourage fluids to replace CSF volume.
o Monitor puncture site for clear fluid leakage.
o Assess for headache, back pain, or signs of infection (fever, nuchal rigidity).
Migraines
• Types: With aura (classic), without aura (common).
• Meds:
o Abortive: Triptans (sumatriptan), NSAIDs, ergotamines.
o Preventive: Beta-blockers (propranolol), anticonvulsants (topiramate),
antidepressants (amitriptyline).
• Patient Teaching:
o Identify and avoid triggers (e.g., stress, chocolate, wine).
o Use medication at onset of symptoms.
o Keep a headache diary.
Seizures
• Types: Generalized (tonic-clonic), partial (focal), absence.
• Seizure precautions:
o Padded side rails, oxygen/suction at bedside.
o Turn patient to side, loosen clothing, protect head.
o Do not restrain or insert anything into mouth.
