Nursing interventions utilized in traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Prevention of cerebral ischemia in traumatic brain injury is the primary focus of nursing care after a patient has been received into medical care. Restorative life measures such as hyperoxegeneation and hyperventiliation are key factors in emergency treatment. These two measures are used from the scene of injury until intial stabilization for these trauma victims. However, research has revealed evidence that in our resuscitation efforts of the body, we may be simultaneously destroying brain tissue by increasing intracranial pressure and reducing cerebral perfusion. Other nursing interventions used routinely in severe traumatic brain injury were reviewed with respect to preserving cerebral tissue: endotracheal suctioning, head and body position and auditory stimuli. Continued research is necessary in this area because of the delayed consideration for the brain in the very early resuscitation efforts after trauma. The new evidence available found maintaining a carbon dioxide level of greater than 20 is just as important as maintaining oxygen levels. Assessment with invasive intracranial monitoring of a victim with poor Glasgow Comma Scale rating may be as critical as the heart beat. With today's technology able to keep so many people alive, we have the moral obligation to preserve their entire being, not just the body. Nursing assessment tools' reliability such as the use of Glasgow Coma Scale and intracranial pressure monitoring devices revealed they were reliable if utilized properly. Continued education in nursing is essential. Intracranial monitoring has no established standards of best practice according to the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. Clinical guidelines are new and research should continue.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

1998

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Giovinco, Gina

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Health and Public Affairs

Degree Program

Nursing

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Health and Public Affairs;Health and Public Affairs -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021514

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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