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The literature suggests that when nurses are aware of their roles and responsibilities, it may contribute to the improved quality of healthcare services. However, the identified roles and responsibilities of nurses in preventing ventriculostomy-related infections (VRI) are limited in the literature, despite their active participation in the management of external ventricular drainage (EVD). The CINAHL Complete, Health Source: Nursing and Academic edition, and MEDLINE Complete were accessed simultaneously through the EBSCO database. The database was searched using the key search terms for peer-reviewed, full-text journal articles in English from 2016 onwards. More literature including some seminal articles were retrieved from the Scopus database after searching through the reference lists of relevant articles. The selected articles were appraised for quality and then thematically analysed. The thematic analysis of the 34 selected articles elucidated seven themes that inform certain nursing roles and responsibilities that could contribute to VRI prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug induced parkinsonism (DIP) is one of the most frequently occurring side effects of dopamine-receptor blocking agents such as antipsychotic (neuroleptic) and antiemetic drugs. It typically presents with extrapyramidal signs, such as slowed movements, reduced facial expression and muscle stiffness. In contrast to Parkinson's disease, which is caused by a progressive degeneration of pre-synaptic dopaminergic neurons that project from the substantia nigra in the brainstem, DIP is thought to usually occur due to the post-synaptic antagonism of dopamine receptors in the striatum. However, the two conditions can sometimes be clinically indistinguishable, and may even occur together, and thus it can be challenging to make an accurate diagnosis of DIP. It is important to consider DIP in the differential diagnosis of any person with extrapyramidal signs within the context of recent medication changes as the condition is reversible when the offending drug is withdrawn and, without early identification, there is substantial risk of increased morbidity, complications such as falls, and poor quality of life. Recent advancements in cerebral imaging have improved diagnostic accuracy but this technology is costly and not widely available. There is a dearth of literature pertaining to the role of neuroscience nurses and DIP. This is concerning as the potential for DIP presentations to occur within the neuroscience setting is high. Neuroscience nurses, particularly those working within the movement disorder speciality areas, need the skills to advocate and pursue further investigation for patients who present with extrapyramidal signs, especially if these begin in the context of the prescription of dopamine-blocking drugs. This review is written primarily for neurosciences nurses but will be applicable to a wide range of healthcare workers; it aims to outline potential causative drugs, risk factors and the key clinical characteristics of DIP. It also highlights useful features that help distinguish DIP from Parkinson's disease, summarises investigations and discusses management and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A correlation exists between staff retention, staff and patient safety and effective prevention of violence and aggression in neuroscience nursing. Workplace violence leads to a lack of productivity amongst nurses and legally a hospital is required to provide a safe working environment. This literature review aims to determine the themes within the literature and effective patient management of agitation leading to violence and aggression. Aim: A literature review of articles was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane database and Google Scholar between 2007-2022. Discussion: The common themes within the literature included assessment of the patient to identify an unmet need, early referrals to members of the interdisciplinary team, effective communication, verbal de-escalation techniques and an understanding of restraint and pharmaceutical management, even though these should be the last resort. Education for staff is fundamental and should include effective communication, warning signs, triggers for aggression, simulation in the clinical context, and verbal de-escalation techniques. Debriefing should take place after an incidence of violence and aggression and effective hospital management should be considered with guidelines and systems in place to support and protect staff and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a speciality practice area, neuroscience nursing is internationally recognised. In 2014 the Australasian Neuroscience Nurses Association celebrated its 40th anniversary. For Indonesian neuroscience nurses, 2014 marked the inaguration of the Indonesian Neuroscience Nurses Association. The following paper provides an overview of health care in Indonesia and development of neuroscience nursing as a specialty through educational and regional collaboration. Postgraduate educational opportunities are open to all nurses in Australia, including neuroscience as a specialty for nurses. However within Indonesia, the focus has been on meeting basic nursing demands, with postgraduate specialisation still in its infancy. The focus on training and producing large numbers of nurses at a basic level has resulted in little regard for the ongoing development and acknowledgement of speciality practice areas, such as neuroscience nursing. The following paper outlines the challenges faced by Indonesian nurses as they strive towards the recognition of neuroscience nursing as a speciality. Through the provision of an overview of current nursing and the health care system in Indonesia, this paper will explore the geographical, economic, political and cultural factors that require consideration when translating experience and expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colin is a neuroscience Registered Nurse originally from the United Kingdom (UK). He had his first seizure in the UK. He and his family emigrated to Christchurch, New Zealand in 2007. Whilst at work on the neuroscience unit, Colin had another seizure resulting in a significant head injury. He was in rehab when the deadly Christchurch earthquake hit. Both Sides of the Counter covers his experience as a neuroscience nurse caring for others and then how things can quickly change - as a neuroscience patient with a head injury. This is his story. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wherever they work, in all contexts neuroscience nurses have an outlook towards patients and their families, coupled with professional expertise in healthcare of the brain and central nervous system. For those in research laboratories, institutes, and academic medicine, direct patient management is less immediately evident in comparison with the nursing profession. However, progress in medicine and neuroscience has relevance for patient care. This article seeks to highlight some connections between research and patients, drawing links between several neuroscientific methods and how they relate to patients' lives. Many methods today are highly dependent on complex technology. However, it is possible to look beyond this to appreciate the human dimensions. There are five areas that were explored:- the lowest physical level of molecules and genetics where advances are occurring; then, a look at the realm of neurons and networks and a case of autoradiography; thirdly, the whole brain and some neuroimaging methods. This is where many patients encounter the world of neuroscience in its medical and nursing settings, as well as in the final two areas: brain damage and neurosurgery. The article concludes with a few comparative observations, and a cautionary note. In all, what is shared ground with neuroscience research especially clinical research, and neuroscience nursing, is patients looking for the best outcomes from healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nursing assessment, decisions and interventions are important in the management of cerebral vasospasm for patients following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). The nursing role in fluid management is complex, characterised by frequent decisions regarding flow rates of fluids and medications. Whist there is extensive literature outlining the medical care for patients post aSAH, nurses are practising in an environment where the guidelines related to haemodynamic augmentation are varied and the evidence is lacking. A literature review was undertaken to understand the current state of knowledge relating to the role of nurses in haemodynamic augmentation and the management of vasospasm for patients post aSAH. A key word search was conducted of the electronic databases Pubmed, Proquest and Cochrane. A specific search for nursing related research identified a total of 70 articles. From this initial list, 16 articles were identified as being specific to nursing practice and interventions; 14 papers described empirical nursing research, however the articles were descriptive in nature and provided little beyond a clinical overview of the natural history of aSAH. Two studies specifically focused on the role of the nurse when caring for patients post aSAH. Whilst the nursing role is represented in the literature, the complex nature of the role is not acknowledged. Further research is needed on nurses understanding of the decisions behind nurses' choices regarding the amounts and timing of intravenous fluids, as well as the indications for inducing hypertension in patients who have experienced an aSAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral vasospasm is usually thought to be associated with subarachnoid haemorrhage and aneurysms. A rare diagnosis, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction/ vasospasm syndrome is precipitated by thunderclap or severe headache, and fluctuating neurological deficits, it commonly affects women of child bearing age. There is no evidence of aneurysm rupture or subarachnoid haemorrhage on CT scanning however an MRA may indicate vasospasm. Precipitating factors have been attributed to postpartum state, exposure to vasoactive substances and possibly in combination with binge drinking. Treatments are varied but include the use of calcium channel blockers. This case presentation will follow the journey of a 50 year old female presenting with stroke and the unfolding of therapies and treatments normally reserved for aneurysmal cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout health care literature, evidence based practice is highlighted as a critical component for competency of clinicians and patient safety. However within the area of neuroscience nursing the implementation and appraisal of systematic review in practice is lacking. This article will highlight areas of interest when critically appraising a systematic review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]