GSL_EVD

What is the most common complication associated with external ventricular drainage?

• Infection

• Bleeding

• CSF overdrainage

• Obstruction

A patient with an EVD is being monitored for potential complications, including the development of subdural hematoma. The nurse recognizes that this complication is most likely to occur in which of the following patient populations?

• Patients with a history of hypertension

• Patients with a history of head trauma

• Patients with a history of diabetes mellitus

• Patients with a history of seizure disorder

Which of the following positions is recommended for patients with EVD?

• Flat on their back

• Standing upright

• Head elevated at 30-45 degrees

• Head turned to the side

Which of the following is a potential complication of external ventricular drainage that can occur due to overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid?

• Subdural hematoma

• Intracranial hemorrhage

•   Rebound intracranial hypertension

•   Meningitis

Which of the following interventions is recommended for managing elevated intracranial pressure in a patient with external ventricular drainage?

• Increasing the EVD drainage rate

• Administration of high-flow oxygen

• Providing sedation and analgesia

• Administration of hypertonic saline

Which of the following steps should be taken before removing an external ventricular drainage catheter?

• CT scan to confirm that intracranial pressure has normalized

• Assessment of the patient's ability to swallow and speak

• Administration of prophylactic antibiotics

• All of the above

Which of the following complications of external ventricular drainage requires emergent intervention?

• Fever and leukocytosis

• CSF leak at the catheter site

• Clogging of the drainage system

• Rapid decrease in intracranial pressure

Which of the following symptoms may indicate that an external ventricular drainage catheter has migrated out of position?

• Nausea and vomiting

• Persistent headache

• Altered mental status

• All the above

Which of the following actions should be taken if there is a sudden decrease in cerebrospinal fluid drainage from an external ventricular drainage system?

• Increase the drainage rate of the EVD

• Assess the patient's neurological status

• Administer intravenous fluids

• Initiate prophylactic antibiotics

Which of the following is a potential complication of external ventricular drainage that can occur due to underdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid?

• Cerebral infarction

• Brain edema

• Intracranial hemorrhage

• Hydrocephalus