Critical care nursing quarterly
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The goal of care of the traumatic brain-injured patient is to prevent secondary injury. Technology gives the caregivers information as to the cause and severity of injury and can guide appropriate management of the patient. Use of multimodality monitoring increases the complexity of care but may allow for better targeted therapy. This article will discuss the current state of technology, the physiology and pathophysiology that it assesses, the normal and abnormal values obtained, and how care will be impacted.
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Numerous differences exist between the pediatric and adult brain-injured patient. However, children with brain injuries are frequently cared for in adult Intensive Care Units (ICUs). ⋯ The article examines the care of the brain-injured child, including monitoring, psychosocial considerations, and supportive care with emphasis on avoiding secondary brain injury by decreasing and maintaining intracranial pressure. Differences between the pediatric patients and the adult patient are highlighted throughout.