Increased intracranial pressure: management with an intraventricular catheter

A patient returns from the operating room with an intracranial pressure (ICP) of 25 mm Hg as measured by an intraventricular catheter. What measures will decrease his ICP, what is the most threatening risk of an intraventricular catheter, and what nursing measures will decrease those risks? The clinical nurse caring for a patient with an intraventricular catheter must understand the dynamics of intracranial anatomy and physiology as well as the methods and rationale for medical and nursing management. An adequate knowledge base of each aspect of the intraventricular catheter and drainage system, from insertion to removal, is very important in decreasing the risks that confront these patients. These risks include infection, collapse of the ventricles, rapid ventricular drainage, increased potential for subdural hematoma, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Familiarity with this information will minimize nursing uncertainties and fears, enabling the nurse to care for such patients with the required expertise and confidence.