Cerebro-Vascular Disorders
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Transcript of Cerebro-Vascular Disorders
Management of Patients with Cerebrovascular Disorders
Nelia B. Perez RN, MAEd, MSNPCU MJCN
BSN 2012
Neurological System
Brain Anatomy• Cerebrum– Reasoning– Judgment– Concentration,– Motor, sensory, speech
• Cerebellum– Coordination
• Brainstem– Cranial nerves– Respiratory center– Cardiovascular center
Brain Anatomy Cont.
Cerebral Blood Flow
• 20% of CO• Cerebral tissues – Have no
oxygen or glucose reserves• Blood flows through Carotid
Arteries to Circle of Willis
Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
Composition• 80% brain tissue and water • 10% blood • 10% cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Increased ICP caused by:• Severe head injury/ Subdural
hematoma• Hydrocephalus• Brain tumor• Meningitis/Encephalitis• Aneurysm• Status epilepticus/Stroke
A medical emergency that can lead to:
Brain hypoxia, herniation, death
Clinical Manifestations• Vomiting • Headache • Blurred vision • Seizure • Changes in behavior • Loss of consciousness • Lethargy • Neurological symptoms
Neurological Assessment
• Rapid Neurological Assessment – Emergent situations– Sudden changes in neurologic status
1. LOC: first indicator of a decline in neurological function and increase in ICP (intracranial pressure); use the GCS
2. Pupils
3. PUPILS
Pupils equal and react normally
Pupils react to light (slowly or blriskly)
Dilated pupil (compressed cranial nerve III)
Bilateral dilated, fixed (ominous sign)
Pinpoint pupils (pons damage or drugs)
Neuro-Diagnostic Tests• Routine labs• Radiology Tests– CT scan, MRI– Carotid ultrasound– Cerebral angiogram/ MRA
CT SCAN
MRA
Carotid US
Neuro-Diagnostic Tests: Lumbar Puncture
• Spinal needle inserted into SA
• L3/L4 or L-4 /L-5 using strict asepsis– Obtain CSF specimens and
pressure readings– To remove bloody or purulent
CSF– Administer spinal anesthesia
Cerebrovascular Disorders
• 53.6% Functional abnormality of the CNS that occurs when the blood supply is disrupted
• Stroke is the primary cerebrovascular disorder and the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability in the U.S.
• Direct and indirect costs of stroke are billion
Prevention• Nonmodifiable risk factors– Age (over 55), male gender, African American race
• Modifiable risk factors:– Hypertension: the primary risk factor
– Cardiovascular disease
– Elevated cholesterol or elevated hematocrit
– Obesity
– Diabetes
– Oral contraceptive use
– Smoking and drug and alcohol abuse
CEREBROVASCUL
AR ACCIDENTS
Stroke• “Brain attack”
• Sudden loss of function resulting from a disruption of the blood supply to a part of the brain
• Types of stroke:
– Ischemic (80% to 85%)
– Hemorrhagic (15% to 20%)
Ischemic Stroke• Disruption of the blood supply due to an
obstruction, usually a thrombus or embolism, that causes infarction of brain tissue
• Types– Large artery thrombosis
– Small penetrating artery thrombosis
– Cardiogenic embolism
– Cryptogenic
– Other
Pathophysiology
Manifestations of Ischemic Stroke• Symptoms depend upon the location and size of the
affected area
• Numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
• Confusion or change in mental status
• Trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Difficulty in walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache
• Perceptual disturbances
R Hemiplegia/paresis
Impaired speech(Aphasias)
Impaired discrimination(R/L)
Slow performance,Cautious
Aware of deficitsDepression, Anxiety
Impaired comprehension & Memory R/T language and mathLeft -Sided CVA:
LEFT BRAIN DAMAGE R Hemianopsia
Right-sided CVA:RIGHT BRAIN DAMAGE Impaired judgment
Impulsive/Safetyproblems
Denies/Minimizesproblems
L hemiplegia/paresis
Left-sided neglect
Spatial-perceptual deficits
Rapid performanceShort attention
span
L Hemianopsia
Types of Paralysis
Abnormal Visual Fields
Cerebrovascular Terms
• Hemiplegia
• Hemiparesis
• Dysarthria
• Aphasia: expressive aphasia, receptive aphasia
• Hemianopsia
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
• Temporary neurologic deficit resulting from a temporary impairment of blood flow
• “Warning of an impending stroke”
• Diagnostic work-up is required to treat and prevent irreversible deficits
Carotid Endarterectomy
Carotid Endarterectomy
Treatment of Stroke:Thrombotic Stroke
• Thrombolytic Therapy :• rtPA (recombinant tissue Plasminogen Activator-
Retavase)– A clot-buster delivered intravenously; breaks up the clot
allowing blood flow to return to the deprived area of the brain
– Must be administered within 3 hours of the onset of clinical signs of ischemic stroke
• Quick CT scan to see if stroke from clot or bleed
Treatment Cont:Acute phase:
• Anticoagulant - Heparin continuous infusion
• Osmotic Diuretics – to reduce brain swelling
• Anticoagulants contraindicated in Hemorrhagic Strokes
Long Term Drug TherapyTo Prevent Stroke:• Antiplatlet Drugs
• ASA, Ticlid, Persantine, Plavix• Anticoagulants– Coumadin– Lovenox
• Antiepileptics
Treatment Cont: Surgical Treatment For Bleeds (Interventional Radiology)
• Angiograms to see arteries and detect bleeding sites
• Aneurysm clips and coils
Surgical Removal:Hematoma
Preventive Treatment and Secondary Prevention
• Health maintenance measures including a healthy diet, exercise, and the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease
• Carotid endarterectomy• Anticoagulant therapy • Antiplatelet therapy: aspirin, dipyridamole
(Persantine), clopidogrel (Plavix), and ticlopidine (Ticlid)
• Statins• Antihypertensive medications
Medical Management DuringAcute Phase of Stroke
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment
• Assessment of stroke: NIHSS assessment tool
• Thrombolytic therapy– Criteria for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA):
– IV dosage and administration
– Patient monitoring
– Side effects: potential bleeding
Medical Management DuringAcute Phase of Stroke (cont.)
• Elevate HOB unless contraindicated
• Maintain airway and ventilation
• Provide continuous hemodynamic monitoring and neurologic assessment
• See the guidelines in Appendix B
Hemorrhagic Stroke
• Caused by bleeding into brain tissue, the ventricles, or subarachnoid space
• May be due to spontaneous rupture of small vessels primarily related to hypertension; subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm; or intracerebral hemorrhage related to amyloid angiopathy, arterial venous malformations (AVMs), intracranial aneurysms, or medications such as anticoagulants
Hemorrhagic Stroke (cont.)
• Brain metabolism is disrupted by exposure to blood
• ICP increases due to blood in the subarachnoid space
• Compression or secondary ischemia from reduced perfusion and vasoconstriction injures brain tissue
Manifestations
• Similar to ischemic stroke
• Severe headache
• Early and sudden changes in LOC
• Vomiting
Medical Management• Prevention: control of hypertension
• Diagnosis: CT scan, cerebral angiography, and lumbar puncture if CT is negative and ICP is not elevated to confirm subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Care is primarily supportive
• Bed rest with sedation
• Oxygen
• Treatment of vasospasm, increased ICP, hypertension, potential seizures, and prevention of further bleeding
Intracranial Aneurysms
NURSING MANAGEMENT• Improving Mobility and Preventing Joint
Deformities• Managing Sensory-Perceptual Difficulties• Attaining Bowel and Bladder Control• Improving Thought Processes• Improving Communication• Maintaining Skin Integrity• Improving Family Coping• Helping the Patient Cope with Sexual
Dysfunction
Nursing Process—Assessing the Patient Recovering From an Ischemic Stroke
• Acute phase
– Ongoing/frequent monitoring of all systems including vital signs and neurologic assessment: LOC and motor, speech, and eye symptoms
– Monitor for potential complications including musculoskeletal problems, swallowing difficulties, respiratory problems, and signs and symptoms of increased ICP and meningeal irritation
• After the stroke is complete
– Focus on patient function; self-care ability, coping, and teaching needs to facilitate rehabilitation
Nursing Process—Diagnosis of the Patient Recovering From an Ischemic Stroke
• Impaired physical mobility
• Acute pain
• Self-care deficits
• Disturbed sensory perception
• Impaired swallowing
• Urinary incontinence
Nursing Process—Diagnosis of the Patient Recovering From an Ischemic Stroke (cont.)
• Disturbed thought processes
• Impaired verbal communication
• Risk for impaired skin integrity
• Interrupted family processes
• Sexual dysfunction
Collaborative Problems/Potential Complications
• Decreased cerebral blood flow
• Inadequate oxygen delivery to brain
• Pneumonia
Nursing Process—Planning Patient Recovery After an Ischemic Stroke
• Major goals include: – Improved mobility – Avoidance of shoulder pain– Achievement of self-care – Relief of sensory and perceptual deprivation – Prevention of aspiration– Continence of bowel and bladder
Nursing Process—Planning Patient Recovery After an Ischemic Stroke (cont.)
• Major goals include (cont):– Improved thought processes– Achievement of a form of communication–Maintenance of skin integrity – Restoration of family functioning – Improved sexual function – Absence of complications
Interventions
• Focus on the whole person
• Provide interventions to prevent complications and to promote rehabilitation
• Provide support and encouragement
• Listen to the patient
Impaired Communication• Aphasia-loss of use
and comprehension
– Receptive aphasia- Wernicke’s area (sensory)
– Expressive aphasia – Broca’s area (motor)
– Global aphasia- mixed
• Nursing Interventions:
• Assess ability to speak and understand
• Provide + reinforcement
• Picture board• Repeat names of
objects routinely• Allow plenty of time
for client to answer
Picture Communication Board
Improving Mobility and Preventing Joint Deformities
• Turn and position the patient in correct alignment every 2 hours
• Use splints• Practice passive or active ROM 4 to 5 times day• Position hands and fingers• Prevent flexion contractures • Prevent shoulder abduction• Do not lift by flaccid shoulder
• Implement measures to prevent and treat shoulder problems
Positioning to Prevent Shoulder Abduction
Prone Positioning to Help Prevent Hip Flexion
Improving Mobility and Preventing Joint Deformities
• Perform passive or active ROM 4 to 5 times day• Encourage patient to exercise unaffected side• Establish regular exercise routine• Use quadriceps setting and gluteal exercises• Assist patient out of bed as soon as possible: assess
and help patient achieve balance and move slowly• Implement ambulation training
Interventions• Enhance self-care
– Set realistic goals with the patient– Encourage personal hygiene– Ensure that patient does not neglect the affected side– Use assistive devices and modification of clothing
• Provide support and encouragement
• Implement strategies to enhance communication: see Chart 62-4
• Encourage the patient with visual field loss to turn his head and look to side
Interventions (cont.)• Nutrition – Consult with speech therapist or nutritionist– Have patient sit upright to eat, preferably OOB– Use chin tuck or swallowing method– Feed thickened liquids or pureed diet
• Bowel and bladder control– Assess and schedule voiding– Implement measures to prevent constipation: fiber,
fluid, and toileting schedule– Provide bowel and bladder retraining
Nursing Process—Assessment of the Patient With a Hemorrhagic Stroke/Cerebral Aneurysm
• Complete an ongoing neurologic assessment: use neurologic flow chart
• Monitor respiratory status and oxygenation
• Monitor ICP
• Monitor patients with intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage in the ICU
• Monitor for potential complications
• Monitor fluid balance and laboratory data
• Reported all changes immediately
Nursing Process—Diagnosis of the Patient With a Hemorrhagic Stroke/
Cerebral Aneurysm
• Ineffective tissue perfusion (cerebral)
• Disturbed sensory perception
• Anxiety
Collaborative Problems/Potential Complications
• Vasospasm
• Seizures
• Hydrocephalus
• Rebleeding
• Hyponatremia
Nursing Process—Planning Care of the Patient With a Hemorrhagic Stroke/Cerebral Aneurysm
• Goals may include: – Improved cerebral tissue perfusion – Relief of sensory and perceptual deprivation – Relief of anxiety – Absence of complications
Aneurysm Precautions
• Absolute bed rest
• Elevate HOB 30° to promote venous drainage or keep the bed flat to increase cerebral perfusion
• Avoid all activity that may increase ICP or BP; implement Valsalva maneuver, acute flexion, and rotation of the neck or head
• Exhale through mouth when voiding or defecating to decrease strain
Aneurysm Precautions (cont.)
• Nurse provides all personal care and hygiene
• Provide nonstimulating, nonstressful environment: dim lighting, no reading, no TV, and no radio
• Prevent constipation
• Restrict visitors
Interventions
• Relieve sensory deprivation and anxiety• Keep sensory stimulation to a minimum for
aneurysm precautions• Implement reality orientation• Provide patient and family teaching• Provide support and reassurance• Implement seizure precautions• Implement strategies to regain and promote self-care
and rehabilitation
Home Care and Teaching for the Patient Recovering From a Stroke
• Prevention of subsequent strokes, health promotion, and implementation of follow-up care
• Prevention of and signs and symptoms of complications
• Medication teaching• Safety measures• Adaptive strategies and use of assistive devices for
ADLs
Home Care and Teaching for the Patient Recovering From a Stroke (cont.)
• Nutrition: diet, swallowing techniques, and tube feeding administration
• Elimination: bowel and bladder programs and catheter use
• Exercise and activities: recreation and diversion• Socialization, support groups, and community
resources• See Chart 62-6
STATUS EPILEPTICUS
SEIZURESeizures
sudden, excessive, disorderly electrical discharges of the neurons.
EFFECTS OF SEIZURE: alteration in the following mental status LOC sensory and speciual senses
motor funtion
TYPES OF SEIZURE
GRAND MALmost common type of seizure
The phases are as follows:
POST-ICTAL PHASE
Cessation of tonic-clonic movementCharacterized by exhaustion, headache, drowsiness, deep sleep of 1-2, disorientation
TONIC – CLONIC PHASETonic phase- contraction
Clonic phase – jerking movementsAccompanied by dyspnea, drooling of saliva, urinary continence
AURA
(flashing light, smells, spots before eyes,dizziness)
PETIT MAL (Absence Seizure or Little Sickness)
o not preceeded by AURAo little or no toni-clonico charac blank facial expression, automatism like lip-
chewing, cheek smackingo regain of consciousness as rapid as it was lot for 10-
20secso usually occurs during childhood and adolescenceJACKSONIAN / FOCAL SEIZUREo common for patients with organic brain lesion like
frontal lobe tumoro aura is present(numbness, tingling, crawling feeling)o charac by tonic-clonic movements of group muscle
e.g. Hands, foot, or face then it proceeds toi grand mal seizureFEBRILE SEIZURE
o this is common for children <5yo, when temp. is rising
PSYCHOMOTOR SEIZUREo aura is present (hallucinations or illusion)o charac by mental clouding (being out of touch with the
envt)o appears intoxicatedo the client may commit violent or antisocial acts, e.g.
Going naked public, running
STATUS EPILEPTICUS
STATUS EPILEPTICUS(ACUTE PROLONGED SEIZURE ACTIVITY)
IS A SERIES OF GENERALIZED SEIZURE THAT OCCUR WITHOUT FULL RECOVERY OF CONSCIOUSNESS BETWEEN ATTACKS
THE TERM HAS BEEN BROADENED TO INCLUDE CONTINUOUS CLINICAL OR ELECTRICAL SEIZURES LASTING AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, EVEN WITHOUT IMPAIRMENT OF CONSCIOUSNESS.
A seizure is a sudden disruption of the brain's normal electrical activity, which can cause a loss of consciousness and make the body twitch and jerk. This condition is a medical emergency.
CAUSES
not taking anticonvulsant medication also caused by an underlying condition,
such as meningitis, sepsis, encephalitis, brain tumor, head trauma, extremely high fever, low glucose levels, or exposure to toxins.
SymptomsThe characteristic
symptom of status epilepticus is seizures occurring so frequently that they appear to be one continuous seizure. These seizures include severe muscle contractions and difficulty breathing. Permanent damage can occur to the brain and heart if treatment is not immediate. A person's symptoms can range from simply appearing dazed to the more serious muscle contractions, spasms, and loss of consciousness. The specific symptoms depend on the underlying type of seizure.
TWO CATEGORIES OF STATUS EPILEPTICUS
CONVULSIVEEpilepsia partialis continua is a variant it involve an hour, day or even week-long jerking. It is a consequence of vascular disease, tumor or encepalitis and drug resistant.
NONCONVULSIVEComplex Partial Status Epilepticus CPSE and absence status epilepticus are rare forms of the condition which are marked by nonconvulsive seizures. In the case of CPSE, the seizure is confined to a small area of the brain, normally the temporal lobe. But the latter, absence status epilepticus, is marked by a generalised seizure affecting the whole brain, and an EEG is needed to differentiate between the two conditions. This results in episodes characterized by a long-lasting stupor, staring and unresponsiveness.
HOW IT IS DIAGNOSED?
Status epilepticus is diagnosed according to its characteristics symptoms. The doctor will order test to look for the cause of the seizures. This may include
blood test
ECG to check for an abnormal heart rhythm
EEG to check electrical activity in the brain
MRI or CT scan to check for braing tumord or signs of damage to the brain tissue.
Nursing DiagnosisHigh Risk for Injury r/t Seizure Activity
Individual Coping r/t perceive social stigma, potential changes in employment
MEDICATIONS diazepam (Valium)
this will stop motor movement
Phenytoin (Dilatin)
Phenobarbital (Barbita)
Paraldehyde
Thiopentahl sodium (Pentotal sodium)
General anesthesia may also be used as a treatment of last resort to stop seizure activity
NURSING INTERVENTIONPREVENTING INJURY
IMPROVING COPING MECHANISMS
PROVIDING PATIENT AND FAMILY EDUCATION
MONITORING AND MANAGING POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
TEACHING PATIENTS SELF-CARE
REDUCING FEARS OF SEIZURE
PREVENTING INJURY
injury prevention for the patient with seizure is a PRIORITY.
patient should be placed on the floor and remove any obstructive items
patient should never be forced into a position pad side rails
do not attempt to pry open jaws that are clenched in a spasm to insert anything.
if possible place the patient on one side with head flexed forward,
PATIENT EDUCACTION
TAKE MEDICATION AT REGULARBASIS
AVOID ALCOHOL. Lowers seizure threshold
ADEQUATE REST WELL-BALANCED DIET AVOID DRIVING, OPERATING MACHINES, SWIMMING UNTIL SEIZURES ARE WELL CONTROLLED.
LIVE AN ACTIVE LIFE
REDUCING FEARS OF SEIZURE
Fear that a seizure may occur unexpectedly can be reduced by the patients adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen. Cooperation of the patient and family and their trust in the prescribed regimen are essential for control of seizures
Periodic monitoring is necessary to ensure the adequacy of the treatment regimen and to prevent the side effects. back
IMPROVING COPING MECHANISMS
it has been noted that the social, psychological, and behavioral problems frequently accompanying the attack can be more handicap than the actual seizure.
Counselling assists the individual and family to understand the condition and the limitations imposed by it. Social and recreational opportunities are good for mental health . Nurses can improve the quality of life for patients with the disorder by educating them and their family about the symptom and also the management.
PROVIDING PATIENT AND FAMILY EDUCATION
Ongoing education and encouragement should be given to patients to enable them to overcome these feelings. The patient and family should be educated about the medications as well as care during a seizure.perhaps the most valuable facets are
education and efforts to modify the attitudes of the patient and family toward the disorder.
MONITORING AND MANAGING POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Patients should have plan to have serum drug levels drawn at regular intervals. The patient and family are instructed about the side effects and are given specific guidelines to assess and report signs and symptoms indicating medication overdose.
TEACHING PATIENTS SELF CARE
Like thorough oral hygiene after each meal, gum massage, daily flossing, and regular dental care
The patient is also instructed to inform all health care providers of the medication being taken because of the possibility of drug interactions. An individualized comprehensive teaching plan is needed to assist the patient and family to adjust to this chronic disorder.
Head Injury
INCIDENCES
Unknown, 9%
Assault, 11%
Struck, 19%
Traffic accident, 20%
Fall, 28%
Other , 7%
Bicycle, 3% Suicide, 1%Other transport, 2%
1. Dura mater 2. Arachnoid 3. Venae sagittalis superiores cerebri 4. Sinus sagittalis superior and Falx cerebri
Duramater
Levels of consciousness
Level Description
Conscious Normal
ConfusedDisoriented; impaired thinking and
responses
DeliriousDisoriented; restlessness, hallucinations,
sometimes delusions
ObtundedDecreased alertness; slowed psychomotor
responses
StuporousSleep-like state (not unconscious);
little/no spontaneous activity
Comatose Cannot be aroused; no response to stimuli
symptoms of mild head injury
– raised, swollen– bruise – small, superficial cut in the scalp – headache
– confusion – loss of consciousness – blurred vision – severe headache – vomiting – loss of short-term memory,– slurred speech – difficult walking – dizziness – weakness in one side or area of
the body – sweating
–pale skin color –seizures –behavior
changes –blood or clear
fluid draining from the ears or nose
–one pupil looks larger than the other eye
–deep cut or laceration in the scalp
–open wound in the head
– foreign object penetrating the head
symptoms of moderate to severe head injury
Prognosis
Indication for admission• Minor head injury– Focal neurodeficit– Post traumatic seizure– Skull fracture
• Moderate head injury• Severe head injury
Investigation
• Skull x-rays • CT scan of the head• Magnetic resonance imaging
–MRI may be used later for additional information about a brain injury.
• Other x-rays may be performed to look for other injuries
Imaging Studies
• Initial blood tests– blood alcohol level for any patient who has an altered level of consciousness
–Coagulation abnormalities, a prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and a platelet count
– Bleeding time assessment may reveal platelet dysfunction.
Urgent Scan in adult if any of–GCS <13 when first assessed –GCS<15 two hours after injury–Suspected open or depressed skull fracture –Signs of base of skull fracture**–Post-traumatic seizure–Focal neurological deficit–>1 episode of vomiting–Coagulopathy + any amnesia or LOC since
injury**Signs of basal skull fracture: 'panda' eyes, CSF leakage (ears or nose) or Battle's sign (bruising behind the ear in cases of basal skull
8 hours after injury, a CT scan is also recommended
if there is either :– More than 30 minutes of amnesia of events
before impact– Or any amnesia or LOC since injury if• Aged ≥65 years• Coagulopathy or on warfarin• Dangerous mechanism of injury–RTA as pedestrian–RTA - ejected from car–Fall > 1m or >5 stairs
Nursing Assessment
– History of Trauma – Time, cause, direction and force of the blow- Loss of consciousness, duration Assess LOC – Glasgow Coma Scale – Response to verbal commands or tactile stimuli- Pupillary response to light- Motor Function Vital Signs – Monitor for signs of increased ICPMotor Function- Move extremities, hand grasp, pedal push, speech
Emergency Care
• First consideration is to ensure a clear airway• Keep spine straight; patient is carefully turned
to a lateral or semiprone position• Flexion or hypertension should be avoided in
case there is a cervical fracture• Keep patient covered, quiet and undistrubed
General Care:
• Establish airway• Prevent aspiration pneumonia• Check for cardiovascular complications• Serach for new evidence of spinal injuries. Do not allow
the newly injured patient to move about even though he/she is conscious.
• Observe the skull and scalp injuries. cover open head wound with the cleanest material avaialble at the scene
• Prevent infection. Gove prophylactic dose for tetanus.
General Care (Cont)
• Observe for CSF leakage – otorrhea, rhinorrhea, Battle’s sign-tenderness and eccymosis or mastoid bone especially for basilar skull fracture
• Obeserve for signs and symptoms of increased ICP; watch for nuclear rigidity.
• Control restlessness and pain. Narcotics are contraindicated following head injury, and are not given if ICP is prevent.
• Maintain fluid/electrolyte; acid-base balance and adequate nutrition. Record I & O.
Management of Increased ICP• - True emergency requiring prompt treatment
- Monitor ICP- Intraventricular catheter, subarachnoid bolt, epidural catheter – Reduce Cerebral Edema – Osmotic diuretics (mannitol)- Corticosteroids ( dexamethasone)Maintain cerebral perfusion – Maintain cardiac output with fluids and dobutamine- Reduce CSF and blood volume – Drain CSF- Hyperventilation – results in vasoconstriction
Management of ICP
• Control Fever – Fever increases cerebral metabolism and edema- Antipyretics, cooling blanket- Avoid shivering which increases ICP Reduce metabolic demands – Barbiturates decrease ICP- Muscle relaxants to paralyze patient
Ineffective airway clearance related to accumulation of secretions and decreased LOC
• Maintain patient airway – Suction carefully- Discourage coughing (causes increase in ICP)- Elevate HOB 30 degrees- Guard against aspiration- Monitor ABGs to assess ventilation
Ineffective breathing pattern related to neurological dysfunction
• Monitor constantly for respiratory irregularities – Cheyne Stokes, hyperventilation,Effective suctioningHOB 30 degreesPosition patient lateral or semi prone
Altered cerebral tissue perfusion related to increased intracranial pressure
• Position patient to reduce ICP : – head in midline position to promote venous drainage- Elevate HOB 30 degrees- Avoid extreme rotation or flexion of neck- Avoid extreme hip flexion
• Prevent straining - Stool Softeners- High Fibre diet Space Nursing activities Maintain calm atmosphere, reduce stimuli
Risk for fluid volume deficit related to dehydration procedures and decreased LOC
Monitor electrolytes- Brain damage can produce metabolic and hormonal dysfunctionsMonitor intake and outputMonitor IV fluids carefullyMonitor urine for acetone, osmolalityRecord daily weights
Altered nutrition related to metabolic changes, inadequate intake.
• Start enteral feedings when patient stabilized- NG feeding unless CSF rhinorrhea- Elevate HOB 30 degrees- Aspirate for residual before feeding to prevent distention and aspiration- Use pump to regulate feeds
Risk for injury related to disorientation, restlessness and brain damage.
•Assess for cause of restlessness- Often present as patient emerges from coma- May be due to hypoxia, fever, pain, full bladderUse padded side rails or wrap hands in mitts- Avoid restraints as straining against them increases ICPMinimize environmental stimuli- Low lights, limit visitors, speak calmly- Orient patient frequently
Risk for altered body temperature related to damage to temperature -regulating mechanism
•Monitor temperature every 4 hrs.- Can be increased as result of:Damage to hypothalmusCerebral irritation from hemorrhageInfectionReduce temperature with acetaminophen and cooling blanketsIf infection suspected –- Culture potential sites- Start antibiotics
Potential for impaired skin integrity related to bed rest, immobility, unconsciousness
•Assess all body surfaces every 8 hrs.Turn every 2-4 hrsProvide skincare every 4 hrsAssist patient to chair (if possible)
Spinal Injury
Spinal cord injuries:
• cause myelopathy or damage to nerve roots or myelinated fiber tracts that carry signals to and from the brain.
• Depending on its classification and severity, this type of traumatic injury could also damage the gray matter in the central part of the cord, causing segmental losses of interneurons and motorneurons.
• Primary prevention important. – Drive slow, use seat belts & helmets, water safety, protective devices for athletes, prevent falls.
Assessment Clinical manifestations depend on type and level of injury
– Below level of injury there is total loss of sensory and motor paralysis,
loss of bladder and bowel control, loss of sweating and vasomotor tone.
– Complains of acute pain in back or neck which may radiate along involved nerve.
– Respiratory problems (T1-T11 and diaphragm are used in breathing) – intercostal muscles. – above C4 – phrenic nerve – paralysis of diaphragm.
• Respiratory status – observe respiratory pattern, strength of cough, auscultate lungs.
• Changes in motor or sensory function – Squeeze hand, spread fingers, move toes. – Pricking skin with dull item, start at shoulders.
Signs of spinal shock
• – Complete loss of all reflexes, motor, sensory and autonomic below level of injury.
Management of Spinal Cord Injuries
• High dose corticosteroids within 8 hrs of injury – Methylprednisolone, loading dose followed by infusion for 23 hrs.
• Oxygen, intubation if necessary• Skeletal reduction and traction
– Immediate immobilization – Reduction of dislocations (restore to normal position) – Stabilization of vertebral column. – Traction used in cervical fractures.
• Surgery.
Nursing Interventions
• Promote adequate breathing and airway clearance. – Monitor pulse oximetry, ABGs. – Clear bronchial and pharyngeal secretions – Use suctioning cautiously – can stimulate vagus nerve causing bradycardia. - Chest Physiotherapy, breathing exercises. – Humidification. – Adequate hydration. – Assess for signs of respiratory infection. – Intubate and ventilate.
Improve Mobility
• Maintain proper alignment at all times. • Reposition frequently. • Prevent foot drop – wear shoes. • Prevent external rotation of hip joints – trochanter rolls. • Prevent contractures – range of motion exercises 4 times daily. • If injury above midthoracic level, monitor BP when turning (loss of sympathetic control of peripheral vasoconstriction).
Maintain Urinary and Bowel Function
• Intermittent or indwelling catheter to avoid overdistention of bladder. – Urinary retention results from bladder becoming atonic. • Intake and output. • Insert NG tube to relieve distention and prevent aspiration. – Paralytic ileus usually develops. – Bowel activity usually returns within 1 week. • High fibre, high protein diet. • Stool softener.
Managing Potential Complications
• Thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism – Assess for symptoms (chest pain, dyspnea, ABGs) – Measure circumference of thighs and calves daily – Anticoagulation – low dose heparin – Pressure stockings. – Adequate hydration
• Orthostatic Hypotension – BP unstable and low for first 2 weeks. – Monitor closely when repositioning patient. – Reposition slowly, wear pressure stockings.
Thank you!