Nursing Neuro/Opthalmic Patient

Question 1

What things can be assessed when a patient presents as potential neuro?

Answer 1

• neuro assessment
• urination/defaecation function
• mobility
• independent feeding

Question 2

What nursing care can be given to a neurological patient?

Answer 2

• Supportive bedding
• Handling care - no leads or collars that can increase intra-cranial pressure
• Sternal/ lateral recumbency turning every 2-4hours
• Coupage and nebulisation if required
• supported walking/cage rest
• check for sores, ring bandages etc
• monitor urination and defaecation - bladder care
• assisted feeding ensure RER being met
• pain management
• skin care
• maintain body temp

Question 3

What immediate post-operative rehab can be given to neuro patients?

Answer 3

• pain management
• PROM (10-15 cycles, 2-3 times per day)
• cryotherapy to discourage inflammatory phase (10-15minutes, 2-4 times per day) (keeping inflammation under control will keep pain under control)
• put limbs into normal positions to avoid uncomfortable stretch

Question 4

What early post-operative rehab can be given to neuro patients?

Answer 4

• massage (20 minutes, 1-2 times per day) (improves circulation and healing and reduces hypostatic pneumonia risk)
• thermotherapy ( 10-20minutes, 2-3 times per day) - helps draw nutrients to area
• can use laser therapy or TENS

Question 5

What later post-operative rehab can be given to neuro patients?

Answer 5

• exercise (unassisted active, active- assisted, active resisted - e.g. standing on wobble board, around cones, backwards etc)
• walkers/wheelchairs - strengthen up working end
• low level light therapy

Question 6

How can we monitor a neuro patients progress?

Answer 6

• observations

- Modified Glasgow coma scale - quantitative

Question 7

How can we assess an ophthalmic patient?

Answer 7

• evaluate level of sight - see if they’re tracking you
• ask owner , usually first to notice
• how stressed is the patient

Question 8

What nursing interventions can be used with ophthalmic patients?

Answer 8

• use voice to make patient aware of approach
• reassurance especially when doing anything!
• reduce stress/ keep cage layout the same
• care handling
• keep routine for feeding
• prevent any self-trauma
• ocular hygiene - clean each eye completely separate and separate materials
• dim lights