Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | Nursing care planning of the post-cardiac arrest adult patient: the successful use of Therapeutic Hypothermia |
|---|---|
| Name | Marzo Lorenza |
| Supervisor(s) | Panzera Nunzio |
| Academic Year | 2014/15 |
| Thesis type | Non research thesis |
Abstract
An optimal neurological outcome is difficult to achieve in a patient who has suffered sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Nursing interventions implemented in the post-resuscitation phase are essential to reach positive outcomes for the patient’s health. Among these, therapeutic hypothermia, or Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) is essential to achieve a good neurological outcome.
Therapeutic hypothermia (also called controlled or induced) is defined as the controlled reduction of the core temperature (about 32°-36 °C), with the main purpose to improve neurological outcomes following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after cardiac arrest.
The purpose of my work is the nursing care planning of the adult patient, treated with an hypothermia treatment cycle, after cardiac arrest.
Nurse is the main figure in this type of therapy, and for this particular role high skills, responsibility and autonomy are required.
Fundamental in these cases is a detailed nursing care plan to assess patient needs and create a course of action to solve patient problems, depending on its clinical stability and complexity of care .
Looking at my direct experience of internship, I conducted a total nursing care process according to the NANDA-I, NOC, NIC Taxonomy, considering the real and potential problems of the patient, then formulating Nursing Diagnosis, Nursing Outcomes and Nursing Interventions, related to the patient, but especially to the treatment in which it was submitted.
It is helpful the development and update of specific protocols about therapeutic hypothermia; and a nursing checklist, to guide the nurse in his clinical practice, in terms of efficiency and effectiveness of his interventions.