The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
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During the past two decades the subject of severe head injury has received much time, attention, and research funding. Although the number of persons in the United States suffering minor head injury is at least four times greater than the number with severe head injury, it has received less attention and resource allocation. The patient with minor head injury presents a clinically different picture as compared to severe head injury; posttraumatic problems also differ. Nursing care differs accordingly and will be the focus of this article.
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The Ommaya reservoir is an implantable device which allows percutaneous intraventricular administration of preservative-free morphine sulfate. Use of this device in select cancer patients has worked well in providing pain control when conventional methods have failed. ⋯ Teaching begins early so the patient can be discharged with a dose and schedule which provide pain control, and the responsible family member can be proficient in administration. Home care and follow-up are necessary to assure pain control and absence of complications.