Care of the pediatric patient with brain injury in an adult intensive care unit.
Numerous differences exist between the pediatric and adult brain-injured patient. However, children with brain injuries are frequently cared for in adult Intensive Care Units (ICUs). This article is primarily designed for the nurse caring for the pediatric brain-injured patient in an adult ICU; however, because it is a current review, it can be useful to the pediatric practitioner. The article examines the care of the brain-injured child, including monitoring, psychosocial considerations, and supportive care with emphasis on avoiding secondary brain injury by decreasing and maintaining intracranial pressure. Differences between the pediatric patients and the adult patient are highlighted throughout.
Vanore
M L
ML
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
D000367:Age Factors; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D019586:Intracranial Hypertension / Q000451:nursing; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology