By the Numbers
It is the highest angle for the head of the bed when pt. has IICP.
What is 45°?
They are three side effects of dexamethasone (various answers possible).
What are → glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, glycosuria, sodium retention, weight gain, decreased immunity. . more!
It is the technique of forcibly lowering PaCO2 to less than 35 mm Hg to decrease IICP.
What is hyperventilation?
It is the abnormal shifting brain structures out-of-normal-position.
What is brain herniation?
They are done routinely by using a penlight.
What are “pupil checks” for reactivity to light?
It is the lowest acceptable cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP).
What is 70 mmHg?. . .will accept 60 mm Hg.
It used when infusing mannitol to prevent crystals from reaching the patient.
What is an IV filter (or in-line filter)?
It is the technique of lowering the body temperature to decrease metabolism in IICP.
What is induced hypothermia?
It is considered the earliest sign of rising ICP.
What is change LOC?
It describes the position of the head for preventing rises in ICP.
What is midline?
It is the goal for PaCO2 levels (a range) when a pt. is being hyperventilated for IICP.
What is 30 – 35 mm Hg?
In the presence of renal failure, this class of drugs may NOT work to help lower IICP.
What are diuretics?
It is a nonpharmaceutical way to decrease cerebral edema by slightly dehydrating the pt.
What is fluid restriction?
It is a complication of ICP monitoring devices that involves pathogens.
What is infection?
It is the term for bearing down—as when passing stool.
What is the Valsalva maneuver?
It is the highest possible score on the Glasgow Coma Score.
What is 15?
It is the class of medications used to induce coma and decrease metabolism.
What are barbiturates?
It is the insertion of a tube into ventricle of the brain to lower IICP.
What is a ventriculostomy (drain)?
It is abnormal posturing involving extension of arms and legs, pointed toes, and head arched back.
What is decerebration (or decerebrate posturing)?
It refers to completing all the care doing everything together.
What is “Cluster Care”—avoid it with IICP!
It is the difference between the systolic B/P and diastolic B/P and it widens in IICP.
What is “pulse pressure”
It is the medication used to treat Diabetes Insipidus.
What is ADH or vasopressin (or desmopressin, DDAVP)?
It is a surgical procedure for the temporary relief of IICP.
What is a decompression craniotomy (or removal of bone flap)?
They are the most primitive reactions of the brain and are controlled by the cranial nerves.
What are brainstem reflexes?
It is the technique of increasing FiO2 prior to suctioning a patient.
What is hyperoxygentation or preoxygenation?