Nursing management for barbiturate therapy in acute head injuries

Barbiturate therapy is a controversial mode of therapy instituted in patients with acute head injuries after conventional means of treatment to decrease intracranial hypertension have been unsuccessful. Thiopental is a fast-acting central nervous system depressant and is one of the agents used for barbiturate therapy. Baseline laboratory values and access to four IV sites, including a Swan-Ganz catheterization site, should be obtained prior to institution of barbiturate therapy. While a patient is on barbiturate therapy, it is difficult to assess his clinical status. Nursing care for a patient on barbiturate therapy is an exciting challenge. It is the nurse's responsibility to continuously assess the patient's pressure readings, laboratory values, fluid balance, and pulmonary status to accurately interpret his clinical status.