92920 Neuroscience: Trauma and Cerebrovascular

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

This subject focuses on the principles of neuroscience nursing practice. The focus of study is persons who have had an injury to the nervous system and alterations to cerebrovascular flow. The subject content is explored using clinical case studies and a framework that reflects a holistic model of care.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. appreciate the role of the neuroscience nurses within the interdisciplinary health care team
2. apply the pathophysiological and psychosocial processes of health breakdown across the lifespan, to persons who have experienced trauma to the nervous system and disturbance to cerebrovascular flow
3. plan the nursing care for persons with traumatic injuries to the nervous system and cerebrovascular disturbance, that is based on the results of a full neurological assessment
4. analyse a range of innovative therapies and technologies to nursing acute care strategies
5. apply research evidence to nursing practice
6. critically evaluate various approaches to nursing care, in order to provide the most effective healing environment
7. analyse the short and long-term impact of nervous system trauma and disturbance to cerebrovascular flow to the patient and society
8. discuss various strategies and approaches employed in the rehabilitation of persons following nervous system trauma and disturbance to cerebrovascular flow.

Content

• Introduction to the subject
• Assessing neurological function
• Consciousness
• Aetiology of stroke
• Management of stroke
• Aetiology of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH)
• Management of SAH
• Aetiology of head injuries
• Management of head injuries
• Rehabilitation
• Ethical and social issues following neurological damage
• Aetiology of spinal injuries
• Spinal injury management
• Future role of the neuroscience nurse
• Subject evaluation