Contemp Nurse
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Following adult cardiac surgery, often difficult to detect fluctuations in regional cerebral perfusion can contribute to strokes. Optimal cerebral perfusion remains elusive and traditional monitoring strategies do not consistently identify acute changes. Non-invasive cerebral oximetry may detect perfusion variations. ⋯ Prevalence of low cerebral oximetry values underscores the importance of increasing sensitivity of monitoring tools. Further evaluation is required to assess this modality and the role of nurses in optimizing neurocognitive outcomes. Impact statement: Cerebral oximetry monitoring may help identify adult patients at risk of neurological complications after cardiac surgery, and as a consequence initiate definitive therapeutic strategies.