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We
utilize basically the same protocol for where to place the patient (ICU or
step down). We do though have a policy on how often to change them (q 48
hours). I would recommend that you read a great research article that
Mary Kay Bader, RN, MSN, CCCRN, CNRN and Linda Littlejohns, RN, MSN,
CNRN wrote about when to change them, how to do it, types of dressings to
cover, etc. They researched alot of hospitals and they did a great job of
compiling data on exactly what you are looking at. They also looked at
infection rates, cost, etc. I want to say that it is about 3 years
old and it was in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing.
Cynthia Blank-Reid, RN, MSN, CEN
Trauma Department
Medical College of Pennsylvania Hospital
3300 Henry Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19129
215-842-6718/7700
Fax:
215-843-7624
E-Mail:
Cynthia.Blank@tenethealth.com
At
our facility patients who require any type of intracranial pressure
monitoring are admitted to the intensive care unit.
If a
patient has an external ventricular drain in and is stable with no need for
ICP monitoring, they can be sent to our stepdown unit.
We
do not have a policy on how long the devices stay in.
Alice Evans
ICU
, UMC
I have 2 questions for the group.
1. If you patients
with these devices (ICP/ventricular drains) in place and they are
clinically stable, on what units can they be
admitted to. ICU only, Or do you also
send them to ICU stepdown or regular units.??
2. Does anyone have any
policy or references to share that address the standard for the length of
time these devices should be left
in place??
I appreciate your assistance.
Vickie Graymire RN, MS, CEN
Trauma Program Manager
St.Rita's Medical Center
Lima, Ohio
419-226-9150
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