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Flashcards in Bell’s palsy Deck (10)
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1
Q

Acute paralysis of cranial nerve 7→unilateral flaccidity and inability to close eye

A

Bell’s palsy

2
Q

Age & Onset (Bell’s palsy)

A

20-60 y.o.

sudden or gradual

3
Q

Warning Sign: Bell’s palsy

A

may be preceded by pain behind the ear

4
Q

Medications: (Tx Bell’s palsy)

A

analgesics
Prednisone (For edema and pain, start it early)
Antivirals- to suppress herpes virus, (~75% pt)

5
Q

Antivirals: Bell’s palsy

A

Acyclovir, valacyclovir, others

6
Q

Nursing Management (Bell’s palsy)

A

Hospitalization not indicated
Protect Eye: r/t inability to close, apply artificial tears, eye patch, protect from light; Look in eye regularly, manually close eye (sometimes) BE SURE NOT A STROKE

7
Q

Eye Care (Bell’s palsy)

A
artificial tears
eye patch
protect from light
Examine regularly
manually close eye (sometimes)
8
Q

Make Sure Bell’s Palsy is not a….

A

STROKE

9
Q

Nutrition: Bell’s Palsy

A

small meals, straws, soft foods, unaffected side for chewing. Inspect mouth after meal. Privacy during meals.

10
Q

Prognosis

A

Recovery: Full, usually w/in 6 mo

May have some residual side effects