Neuroprotection Flashcards
Why are patients nursed at 30 degrees
To encourage venous drainage and therefore reduce cerebral blood volume leading to a decrease in ICP
Why are endotracheal tube ties avoided in neuroprotection
To ensure good venous drainage and therefore reduce cerebral blood volume and ICP
Why are patients kept deeply sedated during neuroprotection
To reduce ICP and prevent secondary injury
Why is a pO2 of 11-13 encouraged
PaO2 also had an impact on cerebral blood flow but obviously has a direct negative impact on cellular function as well
Hypoxia will directly increase CBF and therefor ICP Hypoxia will directly negatively impact cellular function and may lead to cerebral oedema
Why do we aim for normocapnia in neuroprotection
PaCO2 is an important determinant of cerebral blood flow (CBF)
If the CO2 is too high this will cause an increase in CBF and therefor ICP
What happens if CO2 is too low during neuroprotection
If CO2 is too low this will cause a decrease in CBF and can cause ischaemia
Why do we aim temp < 36.5 during neuroprotection
Hyperpyrexia will cause systemic vasodilatation, increased CBF, increases cerebral metabolic rate and increased ICP
Why do we aim normal blood sugar levels during neuroprotection
Hyperglycaemia will increase cerebral metabolic rate and therefore ICP
What is the main goal of neuroprotection in ICU
Maintain adequate cerebral perfusion
