Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to C Stewart-Amidei.
Brain irradiation, although therapeutic in nature, has undesirable effects in a small number of patients. Radiation encephalopathy and radiation necrosis may occur as late responses. Radiation also may cause cognitive deficits, visual loss, and hypothalamic-pituitary suppression. The nurse who is knowledgeable about potential delayed effects of brain irradiation is able to provide individualized care and patient and family education.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Consciousness is a complex phenomenon comprising arousal and awareness. These functions are mediated by the reticular activating system that begins in the brainstem and projects to higher cortical structures. Abnormalities directly or indirectly affecting this system may produce coma. Detailed neurologic assessment consists of evaluation of history, skeletal motor response, pupillary size and reactivity, eye movement, and respiratory patterns. Information obtained may be useful in localizing the contributory lesion, predicting outcome, and determining brain death. Several scales have been used to quantify coma, each with limitations. In the United States, the most widely used scale is the Glasgow Coma Scale.
In spite of over 100 years of surgical experience with the brain tumor, meningioma, it continues in many cases to be a challenge. Although benign by nature, meningiomas may be difficult to resect and a small percentage may recur. Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice for complete abolition of the tumor. Following surgery, astute nursing care is required to promote physiological stability while monitoring for life-threatening complications.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) refers to the sudden accumulation of blood in the subarachnoid space or in the ventricular system. The hemorrhage may occur with cerebral anomalies, tumors, or trauma. The presence of SAH has been associated with decreases in cerebral blood flow (CBF), which may be attributed in part to increased blood viscosity and hematocrit. Hypervolemic hemodilution is a new therapy that is used in the patient with decreased CBF. The therapy is designed to decrease the hematocrit and the viscosity of blood, subsequently increasing CBF. The patient must have a documented SAH and have a baseline neurologic status compatible with aggressive intervention to qualify for the therapy. The infusion technique is begun with 5% albumin and continued for 3 to 7 days. The dosage is gradually tapered before discontinuation. Effectiveness of the therapy is measured through improvement in neurologic function and regional CBF measurements. The critical care nurse plays a vital role in administering and monitoring the therapy and in educating the family about the disease process and interventions.