Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the preferred route for measuring body temperature in an unconscious patient?
What is the preferred route for measuring body temperature in an unconscious patient?
Why is mouth temperature measurement not used in an unconscious patient?
Why is mouth temperature measurement not used in an unconscious patient?
What is a potential complication of altered level of consciousness?
What is a potential complication of altered level of consciousness?
What is a major nursing goal for the patient with altered level of consciousness?
What is a major nursing goal for the patient with altered level of consciousness?
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What is a goal of nursing interventions for the patient with altered level of consciousness?
What is a goal of nursing interventions for the patient with altered level of consciousness?
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What is a potential consequence of altered level of consciousness if not properly managed?
What is a potential consequence of altered level of consciousness if not properly managed?
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What is the earliest sign of increasing ICP?
What is the earliest sign of increasing ICP?
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What is the normal range of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)?
What is the normal range of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)?
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What is the purpose of burr holes in neurosurgical procedures?
What is the purpose of burr holes in neurosurgical procedures?
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What is the result of a CCP of less than 50?
What is the result of a CCP of less than 50?
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What is the purpose of craniotomy?
What is the purpose of craniotomy?
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What is the purpose of cranioplasty?
What is the purpose of cranioplasty?
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What is the goal of frequent monitoring of respiratory status and lung sounds?
What is the goal of frequent monitoring of respiratory status and lung sounds?
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What is the purpose of elevating the head of the bed (HOB) to 0 to 60 degrees?
What is the purpose of elevating the head of the bed (HOB) to 0 to 60 degrees?
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What is the purpose of avoiding hip flexion, Valsalva maneuver, abdominal distention, or other stimuli?
What is the purpose of avoiding hip flexion, Valsalva maneuver, abdominal distention, or other stimuli?
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What is the purpose of using strict aseptic technique for management of ICP monitoring system?
What is the purpose of using strict aseptic technique for management of ICP monitoring system?
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What is the primary purpose of maintaining the patient's dignity and privacy?
What is the primary purpose of maintaining the patient's dignity and privacy?
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What is the recommended angle of elevation for the head of bed to promote accumulation of secretions and prevent obstruction of upper airway?
What is the recommended angle of elevation for the head of bed to promote accumulation of secretions and prevent obstruction of upper airway?
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What is the purpose of frequent turning and use of splints, foam boots, and trochanter rolls in maintaining tissue integrity?
What is the purpose of frequent turning and use of splints, foam boots, and trochanter rolls in maintaining tissue integrity?
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What is the role of acetaminophen in maintaining body temperature?
What is the role of acetaminophen in maintaining body temperature?
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What is the primary purpose of assessing fluid status by examining tissue turgor and mucosa?
What is the primary purpose of assessing fluid status by examining tissue turgor and mucosa?
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What is the purpose of using a bladder training program for the patient with altered level of consciousness?
What is the purpose of using a bladder training program for the patient with altered level of consciousness?
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What is the result of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) on cerebral perfusion?
What is the result of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) on cerebral perfusion?
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What is the role of CO2 in autoregulation of cerebral blood flow?
What is the role of CO2 in autoregulation of cerebral blood flow?
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What is the purpose of suctioning and oral hygiene in maintaining the patient's airway?
What is the purpose of suctioning and oral hygiene in maintaining the patient's airway?
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What is the recommended frequency of monitoring temperature in patients with altered level of consciousness?
What is the recommended frequency of monitoring temperature in patients with altered level of consciousness?
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What is the primary purpose of burr holes in neurosurgical procedures?
What is the primary purpose of burr holes in neurosurgical procedures?
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Which preoperative diagnostic procedure is used to assess blood flow in the brain?
Which preoperative diagnostic procedure is used to assess blood flow in the brain?
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What is the purpose of giving corticosteroids, fluid restriction, and hyperosmotic agents preoperatively?
What is the purpose of giving corticosteroids, fluid restriction, and hyperosmotic agents preoperatively?
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What is a major goal of care for the patient undergoing intracranial surgery?
What is a major goal of care for the patient undergoing intracranial surgery?
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What is the purpose of monitoring ABGs in the patient undergoing intracranial surgery?
What is the purpose of monitoring ABGs in the patient undergoing intracranial surgery?
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What is a potential complication of intracranial surgery?
What is a potential complication of intracranial surgery?
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What is the purpose of maintaining cerebral perfusion in the patient undergoing intracranial surgery?
What is the purpose of maintaining cerebral perfusion in the patient undergoing intracranial surgery?
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What is a nursing intervention to regulate temperature in the patient undergoing intracranial surgery?
What is a nursing intervention to regulate temperature in the patient undergoing intracranial surgery?
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What is not an indication of CSF leakage?
What is not an indication of CSF leakage?
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What is a nursing intervention to enhance self-image in the patient undergoing intracranial surgery?
What is a nursing intervention to enhance self-image in the patient undergoing intracranial surgery?
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What is a symptom of CSF leakage?
What is a symptom of CSF leakage?
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What type of seizure originates in one hemisphere?
What type of seizure originates in one hemisphere?
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What is a cause of seizures?
What is a cause of seizures?
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What is a type of primary headache?
What is a type of primary headache?
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What is a nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a seizure?
What is a nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a seizure?
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What is the goal of nursing management of headache?
What is the goal of nursing management of headache?
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What is a comfort measure for headache?
What is a comfort measure for headache?
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What is a type of secondary headache?
What is a type of secondary headache?
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What is an important aspect of a headache evaluation?
What is an important aspect of a headache evaluation?
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What is a nonpharmacologic therapy for headache?
What is a nonpharmacologic therapy for headache?
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Study Notes
Body Temperature Measurement
- In unconscious patients, body temperature is never taken orally (mouth)
- Rectal or tympanic (if not contraindicated) temperature measurement is preferred over axillary temperature
Collaborative Problems and Potential Complications of Patients with Altered Level of Consciousness
- Respiratory distress or failure
- Pneumonia
- Aspiration
- Pressure ulcer
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Contractures
Goals for the Patient with Altered Level of Consciousness
- Maintenance of clear airway
- Protection from injury
- Attainment of fluid volume balance
- Maintenance of skin integrity
- Absence of corneal irritation
- Effective thermoregulation
- Accurate perception of environmental stimuli
- Maintenance of intact family or support system
- Absence of complications
Nursing Interventions for the Patient with Altered Level of Consciousness
- Compensation for loss of protective reflexes
- Assumption of responsibility for total patient care
- Earliest sign of increasing ICP is a change in LOC
- Slowing of speech and delay in response to verbal suggestions are other early indicators
Cerebral Response to ICP
- Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is closely linked to ICP
- CPP = MAP (mean arterial pressure) – ICP
- Normal CPP is 70 to 100
- A CPP of less than 50 results in permanent neurologic damage
Early Manifestations of Increased ICP
- Changes in LOC
- Restlessness, confusion, increasing drowsiness, increased respiratory effort, purposeless movements
- Pupillary changes and impaired ocular movements
- Weakness in one extremity or one side
- Headache: constant, increasing in intensity, or aggravated by movement or straining
Late Manifestations of Increased ICP
- Respiratory and vasomotor changes
- VS: Increase in systolic blood pressure, widening of pulse pressure, and slowing of the heart rate
- Temperature increase
- Cushing triad: bradycardia, hypertension, bradypnea
- Projectile vomiting
- Further deterioration of LOC; stupor to coma
- Hemiplegia, decortication, decerebration, or flaccidity
- Respiratory pattern alterations including Cheyne–Stokes breathing and arrest
- Loss of brainstem reflexes: pupil, gag, corneal, and swallowing
Assessment of the Patient with Increased Intracranial Pressure
- Obtain history of events leading to illness
- Evaluate mental status, LOC
- Assessment of selected cranial nerves
- Assess cerebellar function, reflexes, motor and sensory function
- Glasgow Coma Scale, pupil checks
- Frequent vital signs
- Assessment of intracranial pressure
ICP Monitoring
- Location of the Foramen of Monro for Calibration of ICP Monitoring System
Collaborative Problems and Potential Complications of the Patient with Increased Intracranial Pressure
- Brainstem herniation
- Diabetes insipidus
- SIADH
Goals for the Patient with Increased Intracranial Pressure
- Maintenance of patent airway
- Normalization of respirations
- Adequate cerebral tissue perfusion
- Fluid balance
- Absence of infection
- Absence of complications
Nursing Interventions for the Patient with Increased Intracranial Pressure
- Frequent monitoring of respiratory status and lung sounds
- Measures to maintain a patent airway
- Position with head in neutral position and elevation of HOB 0 to 60 degrees to promote venous drainage
- Avoid hip flexion, Valsalva maneuver, abdominal distention, or other stimuli that may increase ICP
- Maintain a calm, quiet atmosphere and protect patient from stress
- Monitor fluid status carefully; every hour I&O during acute phase
- Use strict aseptic technique for management of ICP monitoring system
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Description
Test your knowledge of nursing care for unconscious patients. This quiz covers body temperature measurement routes and other collaborative problems.