Nursing Process and Implications for Nursing Care of the Patient with Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Hydrocephalus

Abstract

              The purpose of this study was to collect the knowledge of nursing care of patients with intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalus whom underwent ventriculostomy by applying the correct nursing process. Intraventricular hemorrhage is a bleeding in the ventricles of the brain that produce cerebrospinal fluid. It usually occurs in patients with severe head injuries or vascular disorders such as hypertension disease. Hydrocephalus and increased intracranial hypertension developed subsequently are the most common and important complications in these patients. Currently, intraventricular hemorrhage was treated by surgical removal of the cerebrospinal fluid from the cerebellum (ventriculostomy) to prevent the increased intracranial pressure and brain herniation. There are many complexities in nursing care for patients with intraventricular hemorrhage and ventriculostomy. Therefore, nurse should have knowledge and understanding in patient care approaches to gain confidence in nursing practice. The important nursing care is the correct setting–point of the cerebrospinal fluid drop to maintain normal intracranial pressure (ICP) to prevent increased intracranial pressure (IICP). IICP is a common complication of patients with brain injury. The application of nursing process in nursing practices according to the correct nursing guideline for caring of patients with intraventricularhemorrhage and hydrocephalus covering both physical and mental health problems should bring about the benefit for both nurse and patient. As a result, it could save the patient’s life and reduce disability, if any.

            Keywords: Nursing process, Intraventricular hemorrhage, Hydrocephalus