CapstonePosterFinal.pptx neurological as

advanced Neurological assessment in nursing

1. It has been found that greater patient outcomes occur when a nurse “develop[s] a consistent pattern of completing the neurologic examination as this helps [them] to remember to include each element every time” (Lewis et al., 2015, p. 1416). Cohesive neurological assessments for every patient may likely promote these improved outcomes, as this will minimize discrepancies in the implementation of these assessments. A three-fold pamphlet was created and will be conveniently found at nursing stations within the unit for easy access by all nurses. This teaching tool includes a mental status assessment, Glasgow Coma Scale, pupil assessment chart, cranial nerve assessment, warning signs of a common post-operative neurological complication, and key patient teaching. Thorough and accurate nursing assessments are essential to provide a patient with the best possible care. Nurses have the responsibility of performing assessments, interpreting, and reporting necessary data to honor patient safety and serve as their advocate. Nursing care of a patient during the post-operative period requires accurate and consistent nursing assessments. Research supports that the ability to create consistent assessment patterns fosters cohesive patient care. It is also necessary to perform identical assessments in order to identify alterations in patient status and promptly alert the provider of concerns. Advanced Nursing Neurological Assessment: Post-Operative Kelsey Gibbs Angela Chlebowski, MSN, RN Sacred Heart University, Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN and Richard J. Henley College of Nursing Thomas More Honors Program Background Purpose Project Implementation Significance to Nursing Conclusion Product The purpose of this project is to provide the intensive care Registered Nurse with an educational resource to support with the assessment and care of a patient following a neurological surgical procedure within the intensive care unit. Lewis, S. L., Dirksen, S. R., Heitkemper, M. M., Bucher, L., & Camera, I. (2015). Medical-Surgical Nursing - E-Book: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Single Volume . Elsevier Health Sciences. Project in Collaboration with Ben Olsen