ICP Monitoring Objectives - Part of Closed Head Trauma Case Study

After completing this case study, you should be able to complete the following:

1. Define key terms related to this case:
   • Intracranial pressure (ICP)
   • Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)
   • Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP)
   • Computed tomography (CT)
   • Glasgow coma score (GCS)
   • Pressure control ventilation (PC)
   • Brain perfusion scan
   • Brain death
2. Identify the normal range of intracranial pressure.
3. List possible complications of high intracranial pressures.
4. Recognize indications for ICP monitoring.
5. List and define the devices that are used to measure ICP in the critically ill patient.
6. Identify possible complications of intracranial pressure measuring devices.
7. List and describe the common treatment plans for elevated intracranial pressures.
8. Identify the normal range of cerebral perfusion pressure and mean arterial blood pressure.
9. Recognize key factors in a perfusion scan that shows brain death.

References

1. Bullock R, Chesnut RM, Clifton G, et al: Guidelines for the management of severe head injury. The Brain Trauma Foundation 1995; Version V.
2. Chudley S. The effect of nursing activities on intracranial pressure. British Journal of Nursing 1994; 3(9): 454-459.
3. Fessler RD, Diaz FG. The management of cerebral perfusion pressure and intracranial pressure after severe head injury. Annals of Emergency Medicine 1993; 22(6): 998-1003.
4. Vos HR. Making headway with intracranial hypertension. American Journal of Nursing 1993; 9(3): 28-35.
5. Ghajar J. Intracranial pressure monitoring techniques. New Horizons 1995; 3(3): 395-399.
6. Lang EW, Chesnut RM. Intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure in severe head injury 1995; 3(3) : 400-409.
7. Pickard JD, Czosnyka M. Management of raised intracranial pressure 1993; 56(8): 845-858.