Brain Tissue Oxygenation Monitoring System and Subsequent...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2010), approximately 1.7 million individuals are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Within the medical and allied health care professions, various definitions are utilized to define what constitutes a TBI (Abelson-Mitchell, 2007). Despite such various definitions, a TBI essentially describes any form of trauma directed at the brain and its surrounding anatomical structures (Abelson-Mitchell, 2007). As with most injuries, a TBI is graded as mild, moderate, or severe; however, in contrast to most severe injuries, a severe TBI can detrimentally affect an individual’s motor and cognitive functioning (Abelson-Mitchell, 2007; CDC, 2010). Children and adolescents†¦show more content†¦Such changes often require immediate surgical intervention and subsequent preoperative and postoperative nursing interventions in order to protect the integrity of the brain. One of the most highly recommended surgica l interventions for pediatric patients, involves the placement of a brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) monitoring system (Noble, 2010; Hession, 2008). The PbtO2 monitoring system consists of a triple-lumen catheter and the actual monitoring system (Hession, 2008). During the procedure, one end of the catheter is inserted into the white mater of the brain while the other is connected to the PbtO2 monitoring system (Noble, 2010). Once in place, the monitoring system provides information pertaining to a patient’s cerebral oxygenation, brain temperature, and ICP (Hession, 2008). Of the three readings provided, cerebral oxygenation is a specific indicator that can identify early cerebral ischemia (McNett Gianakis, 2010). Through such early identification, appropriate treatment can be provided to reduce a patient’s risk of developing a secondary brain injury. Prior to the surgical implantation of the catheter, the nurse must ensure that all necessary nursing preoperative inte rventions occur. One example of an intervention includes ensuring