The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
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Mannitol has long been the "gold standard" for treatment of cerebral edema and refractory intracranial hypertension in traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and stroke. Studies performed in animals have shown that hypertonic saline (HS), in doses ranging from 3% to 10%, may be more effective than mannitol in treating these populations. Recently, randomized clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of HS versus mannitol in the treatment of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). ⋯ These studies have shown that not only is HS a safe drug (no patients experienced adverse effects), it is also more efficient in reducing ICP. Efficiency is defined as the drug's ability to decrease ICP to acceptable levels and to maintain lower ICPs for a longer duration of time. It is important for nurses who administer osmotic diuretics to evaluate and understand the current research to provide educated and appropriate care.
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Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability. Patients who sustain a sudden ischemic stroke can benefit from the administration of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). rt-PA may reduce disability, yet few patients arrive in emergency departments in time to be eligible for rt-PA administration. The purpose of this study was to discover factors that influence patients' decision-making process when seeking treatment for acute-stroke symptoms. ⋯ Five themes emerged for patients who presented late for treatment: lack of knowledge, fear of hospitals, denial, living alone, and preexisting health concerns. The theme that emerged from the group that presented early for treatment was previous history or knowledge of stroke. The most significant implication for practice identified in this study is that nurses must take a leading role in educating the public regarding symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments for stroke.