Week 8

Notes

Dr. Steven Hardman Course Coordinator/Senior Lecturer Critical Care Nursing Support of Neurological Patients NURS3061 Learning Objectives – Week 8 Describe the key anatomical structures and physiological functions of the nervous system relevant to acute neurological conditions. Explain the mechanisms of primary and secondary brain injury, including causes such as trauma and hypoxia, and factors like raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Apply neurological assessment principles to critically ill patients, including tools like the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and pupillary response evaluation. Demonstrate the nurse’s role in managing brain-injured patients, including evidence-based interventions to reduce ICP (e.g., positioning, hyperventilation, osmotherapy). Analyze nursing priorities for patients with common neurological conditions in critical care and evaluate how timely interventions impact patient outcomes. •Nervous System: Core Functions Control & Coordination: Regulates voluntary (movement) and involuntary (breathing, heart rate) actions. Sensory Input: Receives information from senses (pain, temperature, touch) via peripheral nerves. Integration & Processing: Interprets ...