Page 2043 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Hyperosmotic Agent

▪ A hyperosmotic agent increases intravascular pressure by drawing fluid from
the interstitial spaces and from the brain cells.
▪ Monitor renal function.

▪ Diuresis is expected.

Box 58-8

Surgical Intervention for Chronic Increased
Intracranial Pressure: Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

Description

▪ A ventriculoperitoneal shunt diverts cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles into
the peritoneum.

Postprocedure Interventions

▪ Position the client supine and turn from the back to the nonoperative side.

▪ Monitor for signs of increasing intracranial pressure resulting from shunt failure.
▪ Monitor for signs of infection.

Box 58-9

Types of Head Injuries

Concussion

▪ Concussion is a jarring of the brain within the skull; there may or may not be a
loss of consciousness.

Contusion

▪ Contusion is a bruising type of injury to the brain tissue.
▪ Contusion may occur along with other neurological injuries, such as with
subdural or extradural collections of blood.

Skull Fractures

▪ Linear
▪ Depressed

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