Question

Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy help with hydrocephalus?

Answer

Preoperative Nursing: Since patients lack understanding of the disease and have a fear of surgery, we should actively communicate with patients, explain the nature and harmfulness of the disease, the necessity of surgery, introduce the surgeon’s situation, and help patients build trust in the doctor, alleviate fear and doubts, and keep them in the best physical and mental state for surgery. Postoperative Observation and Nursing:

  1. Closely observe changes in consciousness, pupils, vital signs, and limb movement. Pay attention to measuring blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and pupil changes, and record them on a special record sheet.
  2. If body temperature exceeds 38.5℃, take effective measures to cool down to reduce the oxygen consumption of brain cells and basal metabolism. Provide ice packs, ice pillows, frozen infusion, ice bags placed on both sides of the neck, under the armpits, and in the inguinal region. Observe the patient’s facial color, pulse, respiration, and sweating symptoms for those undergoing cooling to prevent excessive dehydration.
  3. Observation of Complications:
    1. Observe for symptoms such as slow and weak pulse, irregular breathing, headache, vomiting, increased blood pressure, and one-sided pupil dilation indicating increased intracranial pressure.
    2. Observe the surrounding skin for signs of ulcers or cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Report to the doctor immediately for treatment.
    3. Observe for abdominal pain or abdominal discomfort…