BIRTH RELATED TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY - NURSING INTERVENTIONS

Michail Kokolakis, John Koutelekos

Friday, January 9, 2015

Publication year:

2015

Authors:

• Kokolakis Michail, BScN, Neurosciences, King’s College Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust U.K.
• Koutelekos John, PhD, Assisstant Professor, Department of Nursing A',Technological Educational Institute of Athens

Keywords index:

• Nursing intervention neonates traumatic brain injury

Pages: 121-137

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.35310

Abstract:

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of serious harm and death in newborn infants. The injury affects not only the infant but also impacts heavily on close relatives. They also will need professional assistance. Caring for infant patients with traumatic brain injury is perhaps the most difficult of many professional challenges for nursing staff, requiring both technical and skills and sensitivity to the needs of the relatives. The purpose of this article is to highlight the most important nursing interventions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to review recent publications specifically addressing nursing

intervention in the care of neonates with traumatic brain injury.

Sources and materials: The approach to this article centers on research and review of studies between

2007–2015, from the online sources of Pubmed/Medline, Elsevier, Saunders Medical Center, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, New England Journal of Medicine, The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation and the Journal of Neuroscience. The literature featured in this article refers to nursing intervention in cases of neonates with traumatic brain injury, identified through key words such as: nursing intervention in neurosurgery, nursing intervention in neonates with cranial trauma, head injuries and nursing care, nursing neurological assessment.

Results: The most recent studies emphasize that nursing interventions in the case of neonates who

have sustained traumatic brain injury should be provided by specially trained persons who have acquired the skills and knowledge within this particular speciality area. Essential to successful outcomes of nursing interventions are frequent training and tutoring sessions where the nurse, in conjunction with the doctor, will be able to find, understand and apply scientifically competent solutions to meet the exact needs of the case. The role of the nurse should follow a personalized plan clearly defined as part of the total care and welfare of the neonate.

Conclusions : Successful nursing interventions for the care of neonates with traumatic brain injury