Question

2. You are caring for Mr. S, who has sustained a traumatic brain injury from a motor vehicle crash, presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6. He has an intraventricular catheter for continuous measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP). His ICP has been stable at 13 mm HG for the past 4 hours. The alarm of the monitor sounds because his ICP is now 20 mm Hg. What are your priority assessments and interventions at this time?

Answer 1

2, Normal ICP between 5-15 mmHg. patient with traumatic brain injury due to lesions there is a high chance of increased ICD. To minimize the ICP if it is more than 15mmHg elevate the head of the bed upto30 degree and keep the head at the neutral position it optimizes the cerebral venous outflow. Assess the cerebral perfusion pressure(CPP) correctly. when ICP became normal or reduced there is a chance of increased CPP. Assess the ICP device. system should be checked for proper functioning. Do neurologic examination and cerebrospinal fluid output. check the patient respiratory status and pulse pressure for hypoxia and hypotension.
3, Allowing family members to visit the patient and nor allowing other than family memebers like friends an protect the patient physical condition and provide emotional support and privacy. assess the patient relationship and closeness with visitors and identify the family relationship with the patient. observe the family caregiver's concern with visitors. then collect the list of visitors name from family, in case of any absence of family members they can stay with the patient and any needful for emotional support for family and providing tangible support it can be helpful.