Nursing care for patients with external ventricular drainage
Abstract
Introduction: The use of ventricular catheters is indicated as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with neurological problems (hydrocephalies, intraventricular hemorrhages, brain tumors undergoing edema, cranial hypertension). When the production of CSF increases above normal levels or its reabsorption and elimination decreases, it is necessary to use drainage systems to avoid situations of intracranial hypertension.
Objective: To analyze the protocols and guidelines for ventricular catheter care in order to create unified guidelines that serve as a reference for nurses who handle this type of device and reduce the incidence of infections that accompany this procedure.
Methods: A bibliographic review of literature has been conducted in the Medline, Google Scholar and Scielo databases. An expert consultation was also conducted with experts (neuro-surgeons, intensive care therapists and nurses) with extensive experience in the management of external ventricular drainage.
Results: Patients carrying this type of drainage require constant nursing care. Knowing in detail the handling and maintenance of these devices allows us to improve the quality of care and thus reduce the incidence of complications.
Conclusions: Providing good care is the nurse's direct responsibility, so it is important to update the knowledge about the management of these drains, to know how to identify, evaluate and respond effectively to any event that may pose a risk to the patient.
