Neurocritical Care

INTRODUCTION

This program is designed to explore the emerging trends in neurocritical care. Over the past 5-10 years the science of caring for critically ill patients with neurologic injuries has evolved considerably.

The nurse caring for neurologically injured patients must have a comprehensive understanding of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. With an ever-growing number and variety of tools for assessing and monitoring the brain and nervous system, this understanding must grow to include knowledge of the benefits and limitations of these tools.

This program is designed to provide new and key insight that will enable the participant to provide care to patients with neurologic injuries in a manner that is consistent with new evidence-based practice guidelines.

Some of the objectives for this one-day program includes:

	Describe a prioritized approach to caring for neurologically injured critically ill patients.
	Describe the primary components of a comprehensive neurological examination that differentiates upper motor versus lower motor lesions.
	Explain the primary benefits and drawbacks to including the Glasgow Coma Scale or the NIH Stroke Scale as part of a comprehensive neurological exam.
	Discuss the primary characteristics and clinical correlates for each of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves.
	Discuss and differentiate the primary forms of aphasia as they relate to neurocritically ill patients.
	Discuss the relationship between nomenclature and neuroanatomy.
	List the primary structures in the central nervous system, identify their locations and discuss the clinical relevance of each structure.
	Explain how a comprehensive understanding of neuroanatomy can be used to improve clinical practice.
	List the most common tools used to monitor neurologic function and describe their key benefits and drawbacks.
	Discuss the relationship between volume, pressure, cerebral blood flow and cerebral perfusion.
	Describe how knowledge of cellular physiology provides the foundation for understanding broader concepts in neurophysiologic monitoring.

	Describe the basic concepts behind electroencephalographic monitoring.
	Discuss theories of consciousness relevant to nursing care of the neurologically injured patient.

	Differentiate between the awake, minimally conscious, persistent vegetative and comatose states.
	Discuss the mechanisms that result in sleep production as they relate to sleep deprivation in the critical care setting.

	Describe several strategies for promoting sleep in the critical care setting.
	Identify the key physiologic responses to changes in body temperature.
	List specific strategies for controlling temperature in the critical care setting.
	Discuss literature which supports aggressive temperature management following brain injury and cardiac arrest.

Discuss current national and international standards as they relate to induced hypothermia to promote brain recovery and prevent secondary brain injury.

Neurocritical Care Seminar Flyer Cover

Presented by:
DaiWai M. Olson,
PhD, R.N., CCRN, CNRN

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

Seminar approved by:

American Association
of Critical-Care Nurses

6.0 contact hours
Category A

Provider approved by:

California Board of
Registered Nursing
CEP 6910