Nursing management of a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage

Nursing care of the aneurysm patient is as demanding as any challenge the neuro unit can offer. Because these patients are extremely ill with major neurological deficits, close observation of their neurological status and its many physiologic parameters is demanded. Monitoring the patient's status and helping to prevent complications related to re-bleed and vasospasm are critical. Assisting the patient and his family to cope with the many problems presented during his hospitalization provides many stressors to the neurology staff nurse. A multi-disciplinary approach to the long-term care of this patient helps to reduce stress for the neurology nursing staff and optimizes the benefits for the cerebral aneurysm patient.