NUR 2462C Study Guide - Final Guide: Cerebral Perfusion Pressure, Glasgow Coma Scale, Abnormal Posturing

• School: St. Petersburg College
• Department: Nursing, Generic Undergraduate
• Course: NUR 2462C
• Professor: Seigel

Document Summary

Cerebral edema- swelling in the brain caused by presence of excessive fluid. Cerebral perfusion pressure (cpp)- pressure needed to ensure blood flow to the brain. Concussion- brain injury that may alter the way the brain functions. Can be caused by hematoma, infarction, or edema (increased icp) Coup (contusion resulting from the brain contacting the skull on the side opposite from where impact occurs) Contracoup phenomenon- head injury in the form of cerebral contusions. Cushing"s triad- increased systolic pressure with widening pulse pressure, bradycardia with a full bounding pulse, and an irregular. Decerebrate posturing- abnormal body posture that involves the arms and legs being held straight out, the toes being pointed downward, and the head and neck being arched backwards. Decorticate posturing- a sign of damage to the nerve pathway between the brain and spinal cord. Posturing may occur on 1 or both sides of the body.