Intracranial Pressure Flashcards
What does brain function depend on?
Supply of blood and oxygen to the brain
Priority with ICP?
Brain needing oxygen
What % of brain tissue composes contents of the skull?
80%
What % of the brain is blood?
10%
What % of the brain is spinal fluid?
10%
Earliest signs of increased cranial pressure?
-Decreased LOC
-Inability to focus
-Headache unrelieved by Tylenol
-Nausea without vomiting
Infants increased cranial pressure signs?
-Bulging Fontanel
-Lethargic
-Irritability
-Macrocephaly
Increased cranial pressure sign in children?
-Sunsetting appearance of eyes (half closed eyes)
What occurs with auto regulation?
-Irregular pulse, respiration, and BP
What do you give to decrease cerebral edema?
-Mannitol
What does mannitol medication do?
-Dehydrate the brain and reduce cerebral edema
What scale do we use when there is suggested intracranial pressure?
Glasgow coma scale
What are the 3 components to the glasgow come scale?
-Eye response (movement)
-Motor response
-Verbal response
What happens to pupils when pressure worsens?
-Pupils will be fixed and not response to light
What is Cushing triad? S/S
-Widened BP (High systolic, low diastolic)
-Low respirations
-Low HR
What does a score of 3 on Glasgow indicate?
Severe impairment deep coma, or brain dead
What does a score of 8 on Glasgow scale mean?
Unconscious patient
What does a score of 15 indicate on Glasgow scale?
Alert and oriented patient
Where to assess hydration status on a patient taking mannitol?
Mucous membranes, urine output
What is the serum level when giving Mannitol?
310-320
What cases do you not give Mannitol?
-TBI
-Brain bleeding
What is the normal serum osmolarity?
275-295
What does Dexamethasone do?
Reduces cerebral edema related to brain tumors, CNs infections, and abscesses
What does the saying “ICPS” means?
I-Immobilize spine
C-Low CO2
P-Positioning
S-Suctioning (Limit it)
