Introduction: External ventricular drainage is a medical device used in the treatment of patients with neurological injuries or diseases in which intracranial pressure is elevated. Drainage allows continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure, drainage of excess cerebrospinal fluid or blood, as well as administration of drugs and collection of cerebrospinal fluid samples. The role of the nurse in the care of a patient with external ventricular drainage is essential to ensure safe and effective care, which is key to the success of the treatment and the improvement of the patient's condition. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to present external ventricular drainage, its placement and functioning, to define the role of the nurse in caring for patients with external ventricular drainage, and to present the most common complications that can occur in a patient with external ventricular drainage. Methods: The most common complications in a patient with external ventricular drainage are intracranial bleeding and infection. The association between the duration of the inserted system and the incidence of infection was confirmed in most cases. Other problems were also identified, such as increased intracranial pressure due to cerebrospinal fluid stagnation, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid along the drainage catheter, and decreased perfusion of brain tissue. The nurse's role in the care of a patient with external ventricular drainage is essential, as she monitors intracranial pressure, vital functions and checks the proper position and operation of the system. Results: The most common complications in a patient with external ventricular drainage are intracranial bleeding and infection. The association between the duration of the inserted system and the incidence of infection was confirmed in most cases. Other problems were also identified, such as increased intracranial pressure due to cerebrospinal fluid stagnation, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid along the drainage catheter, and decreased perfusion of brain tissue. The nurse's role in the care of a patient with external ventricular drainage is essential, as she monitors intracranial pressure, vital functions and checks the proper position and operation of the system. Discussion and conclusion: The nurse's role in managing a patient with external ventricular drainage is critical to successful treatment. Through careful monitoring and assessment of the patient's condition, accurate system maintenance, patient education, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, the nurse can reduce the risks of complications and improve patient health outcomes. Continuing education and training of the nurse is critical to safe and effective patient care.
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