BRAIN ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT


Scenario 1: Sam had a stroke involving the
occipital area of the brain. His vision was
affected. He was advised by his doctor to
give up his driving privileges. He refused
and drove into a tree.

Scenario 2: Tina's stroke involved the parietal
 lobe. She is having difficulty with distinguishing
right from left and math calculations.
Enjoy the video: The stroke patient

An eye exam may become necessary to check
for visual deficits. Visual acuity testing is done
 from about 20 feet away.


The brain is protected by the skull. Injury to the brain may result in swelling.
The skull is made of solid bone and the brain has no room to expand when swelling
occurs. ICP Monitoring is done to reduce swelling and monitor brain pressures.
The brain injured patient is at risk for seizures. This should be reflected in the
plan of care.


CLINICAL SCENARIO:
The patient in the above scenario had brain surgery.
ICP Monitoring is being done. Family members have
been around the bedside for several hours.

Many nurses will have the opportunity to manage a
brain injured patient. Injury may be caused by bleeding
into the brain, subarachnoid hemorrhage, trauma or
surgical intervention.

Regardless of the cause. it is important for the nurse
to be aware of proper management.

Please watch the video: ICP monitoring

Learn more about the effect of stroke on the 
cranial nerves : 

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