Pulmonary challenges in neurotrauma.
Traumatic injury to the central nervous system presents a formidable clinical challenge to any practitioner. Part of that challenge is to anticipate the pulmonary sequelae that may occur in this patient population. Direct pulmonary trauma commonly occurs with CNS injury and requires immediate treatment to prevent further compromise of the patient's condition. Neurologic deficits can then be compounded by complications such as ARDS and aspiration pneumonia that can be minimized if not prevented. The nurse is a key health care professional who can implement these interventions and effect better patient outcomes.
Munro
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Surgical Critical Care Service, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA.
D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*