CCRN

A comprehensive study of CCRN, covering critical care nursing concepts from basics to advanced applications.

Introduction to Critical Care NursingCardiovascular System in Critical CarePulmonary System and Mechanical Ventilation
Neurological Assessment and CareShock States and Hemodynamic ManagementRenal and Metabolic Emergencies
Family and Patient-Centered CareRapid Response and Code BluePreventing Hospital-Acquired Infections
Effective Study Techniques for CCRNTest-Taking and Stress Management
Introduction to Crit...Cardiovascular Syste...Pulmonary System and...Neurological Assessm...Shock States and Hem...Renal and Metabolic ...Family and Patient-C...Rapid Response and C...Preventing Hospital-...Effective Study Tech...Test-Taking and Stre...
Advanced Topics

Neurological Assessment and Care

Assessing the Brain Under Stress

Critically ill patients may have strokes, seizures, or brain injuries. Neurological assessment helps nurses spot changes fast.

Tools and Techniques

  • Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): Measures eye, verbal, and motor responses to assess consciousness.
  • Pupillary checks: Detect changes in brain function.
  • Sedation scales: Evaluate alertness in intubated or sedated patients.

Interventions

Nurses monitor for complications like increased intracranial pressure and manage medications to prevent seizures or swelling.

Real-Life Example

After a traumatic head injury, a nurse uses the GCS every hour. A drop in score quickly alerts the team to possible brain swelling.

Key Formula

\[GCS = E + V + M\]

Examples

  • A nurse notices unequal pupils after a stroke and calls the doctor.

  • A patient on sedation is regularly assessed with the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS).

In a Nutshell

Neurological monitoring is vital for early detection of life-threatening brain events.

Key Terms

Glasgow Coma Scale
A system for assessing a patient's level of consciousness.
Intracranial Pressure
The pressure inside the skull that can indicate brain swelling.
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Shock States and Hemodynamic Management