(4)
Institute seizure precautions at patient's bedside. (Tongue blade
airway.)
(5) Supportive nursing care is given depending upon the patient's symptoms
and ability to perform activities of daily living.
(6)
Administer all doses of steroids and antiepileptic agents on time.
(a)
Withholding steroids can result in adrenal crisis.
(b) Withholding of antiepileptic agents frequently precipitates seizure.
(7)
Surgery (craniotomy) is performed to remove neoplasm and alleviate
symptoms.
d. Post Operative Nursing Care Considerations.
(1) Meticulous nursing management and care aimed at prevention of
postoperative complications are imperative for the patient's survival.
(2)
Accurately monitor and record all vital signs and neurological signs.
(a) Postoperative cerebral edema peaks between 48 and 60 hours
following surgery.
(b) Patient may be lucid during first 24 hours, then experience a
decrease in level of consciousness during this time.
(3) Administer artificial tears (eye drops) as ordered, to prevent corneal
ulceration in the comatose patient.
(4)
Maintain skin integrity.
(5) Bone flap may not have been replaced over surgical site; turning patient
to the affected side, if the flap has been removed, can cause irreversible damage in the
first 72 hours.
(6)
Maintain head of bed at 30elevation.
(7)
Perform passive range of motion exercises to all extremities every 2-4
hours.
(8)
Maintain body temperature.
(a) Increases of body temperature in the neurosurgical patient may be
due to cerebral edema around the hypothalamus.
MD0919
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