Common Laboratory and
Radiologic Tests
There are several laboratory and radiological tests used to
diagnose or monitor neurological dysfunction.
• Laboratory tests
• blood glucose
• blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• electrolytes
• complete blood count
• liver function tests
• blood cultures
• studies to detect toxic substances
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• findings may suggest a lesion is present or
provide evidence of brain death
• Lumbar puncture
• can identify infection in the cerebral spinal fluid
• contraindicated with increased intracranial
pressure because of the risk of brainstem
herniation
• Computerized tomography (CT)
• visualization of structures to detect structural
abnormalities, hemorrhages, tumors, or
inflammation
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• visualization of structures with the ability to
discriminate between tissue types
Reye's Syndrome
Reye's syndrome is a rare and serious condition that causes
swelling in the liver and brain that is most often associated
with children and teenagers.
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, Pathophysiology
• Reye’s syndrome is a metabolic encephalopathy
characterized by fever, profoundly impaired
consciousness from cerebral edema, and disordered
hepatic function.
• Most cases occur after a common viral illness, such as
influenza or varicella, but it can also be caused by
exposure to drugs, exogenous toxins, or genetic factors.
• There is a possible link between salicylates and
Reye’s syndrome.
Clinical Manifestations
Profuse vomiting and lethargy that quickly progress to
neurologic impairment, including delirium, seizures, and
coma, and can ultimately lead to increased intracranial
pressure, herniation, and death.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Definitive diagnosis is established by liver biopsy.
Therapeutic Management
Supportive care and monitoring for complications.
Nursing Care Management
• Assist with early recognition and diagnosis so
aggressive treatment can be initiated.
• Monitor state of consciousness and increased
intracranial pressure.
• Monitor intake and output so fluid volumes can be
adjusted to prevent both dehydration and cerebral
edema.
• Monitor laboratory studies for impaired coagulation,
such as prolonged bleeding time.
• Recovery is rapid and usually without complications if the
diagnosis is determined early and therapy is initiated
promptly.
This study source was downloaded by 100000897367967 from CourseHero.com on 12-10-2025 09:00:51 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/252998513/NR-328-Week-6-Edapt-Common-Laboratory-and-Radiologic-Testsdocx/
Radiologic Tests
There are several laboratory and radiological tests used to
diagnose or monitor neurological dysfunction.
• Laboratory tests
• blood glucose
• blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• electrolytes
• complete blood count
• liver function tests
• blood cultures
• studies to detect toxic substances
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• findings may suggest a lesion is present or
provide evidence of brain death
• Lumbar puncture
• can identify infection in the cerebral spinal fluid
• contraindicated with increased intracranial
pressure because of the risk of brainstem
herniation
• Computerized tomography (CT)
• visualization of structures to detect structural
abnormalities, hemorrhages, tumors, or
inflammation
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• visualization of structures with the ability to
discriminate between tissue types
Reye's Syndrome
Reye's syndrome is a rare and serious condition that causes
swelling in the liver and brain that is most often associated
with children and teenagers.
This study source was downloaded by 100000897367967 from CourseHero.com on 12-10-2025 09:00:51 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/252998513/NR-328-Week-6-Edapt-Common-Laboratory-and-Radiologic-Testsdocx/
, Pathophysiology
• Reye’s syndrome is a metabolic encephalopathy
characterized by fever, profoundly impaired
consciousness from cerebral edema, and disordered
hepatic function.
• Most cases occur after a common viral illness, such as
influenza or varicella, but it can also be caused by
exposure to drugs, exogenous toxins, or genetic factors.
• There is a possible link between salicylates and
Reye’s syndrome.
Clinical Manifestations
Profuse vomiting and lethargy that quickly progress to
neurologic impairment, including delirium, seizures, and
coma, and can ultimately lead to increased intracranial
pressure, herniation, and death.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Definitive diagnosis is established by liver biopsy.
Therapeutic Management
Supportive care and monitoring for complications.
Nursing Care Management
• Assist with early recognition and diagnosis so
aggressive treatment can be initiated.
• Monitor state of consciousness and increased
intracranial pressure.
• Monitor intake and output so fluid volumes can be
adjusted to prevent both dehydration and cerebral
edema.
• Monitor laboratory studies for impaired coagulation,
such as prolonged bleeding time.
• Recovery is rapid and usually without complications if the
diagnosis is determined early and therapy is initiated
promptly.
This study source was downloaded by 100000897367967 from CourseHero.com on 12-10-2025 09:00:51 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/252998513/NR-328-Week-6-Edapt-Common-Laboratory-and-Radiologic-Testsdocx/
