My Topic for this paper is VP shunt
I have attached the rubric
Follow these guidelines when completing this assignment. Speak with your faculty member if you have questions.
Choose a therapeutic modality or healthcare technology.
Examples of a therapeutic modality include Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, Automatic rotating pronation beds, right and/or left ventricular assist devices, nontraditional ventilator modes.
Examples of healthcare technology can include regional O2 saturation monitoring (NIRS).
Refer to your faculty member if your selection requires prior approval.
Write a 4-5 page paper (not including the title page or reference page) using APA format.
For APA, formatting, or grammar assistance visit the APA Citation and Writing page in the online library.
Include the following sections (detailed criteria listed below and in the Grading Rubric):
Introduction – 5 points/5%
The chosen therapeutic modality or healthcare technology meets one of the following criteria:
Has been introduced recently at the bedside for care of the complex adult patient.
Is a non-traditional modality for very ill patients in special circumstances.
Is being used in a new way to treat a patient with complex needs.
Requires specific training above and beyond general entry-level nursing education.
Introduce the therapeutic modality or healthcare technology.
Name the therapeutic modality or healthcare technology.
A brief fictional case is used to illustrate the therapeutic modality or healthcare technology.
Explanation and Background– 15 points/15%
Include a clear description of the therapeutic modality or healthcare technology.
Discuss how the therapeutic modality or healthcare technology works.
Describe the patient population it is used for.
Include medication, safety, and cost considerations as applicable.
Risks and Benefits– 15 points/15%
Describe how the therapeutic modality or healthcare technology can benefit the patient.
Discuss ways to promote positive outcomes.
Explain the complications that may arise.
Discuss considerations for preventing complications.
Interdisciplinary team’s Roles and Responsibilities– 20 points/20%
Identify all interdisciplinary team members caring for the patient, such as respiratory therapy, assistive personnel, providers, case managers, clinical nurse specialists, and researchers.
Describe the roles and responsibilities of each member of the healthcare team that is involved in the use of the therapeutic modality or healthcare technology.
Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary team caring for the patient.
Discuss one challenge in working with an interdisciplinary team.
Nursing Scope of Practice – 15 points/15%
Discuss the knowledge needed for the Registered Nurse to provide care for the patient using the therapeutic modality or healthcare technology.
Describe skills needed for the Registered Nurse to provide care for the patient using therapeutic modality or healthcare technology.
Discuss attitudes needed for the Registered Nurse to provide care for the patient using therapeutic modality or healthcare technology.
Patient Education – 20 points/20%
Describe the information to be taught to the patient and/or family.
Discuss how information will be taught.
Discuss potential cultural considerations to teaching
Explain how the effectiveness of the teaching will be evaluated.
Conclusion – 5 points/5%
Provide a summary of the paper.
No new information is introduced.
Include additional resources for further learning.
APA Style and Organization – 5 points/5%
References are submitted with paper.
Uses current APA format and is free of errors.
Grammar and mechanics are free of errors.
At least three (3), nursing, scholarly, peer reviewed, primary sources from the last 5 years, excluding the textbook, are provided.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The chosen therapeutic modality for this paper is VP shunt. VP shunt is a medical procedure used to treat hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. This procedure involves the insertion of a shunt system, which diverts the flow of CSF from the brain to another part of the body, such as the abdomen. In this paper, we will explore various aspects of VP shunt, including its description, patient population, benefits, complications, interdisciplinary team’s roles and responsibilities, nursing scope of practice, patient education, and conclude with a summary.
Explanation and Background:
VP shunt is a therapeutic modality used to treat hydrocephalus, a condition that affects both adult and pediatric patients. In this procedure, a shunt system is surgically inserted, consisting of a ventricular catheter, a valve, and a distal catheter. The ventricular catheter is placed in the brain’s ventricles, whereas the distal catheter is positioned in another body cavity or organ, typically in the peritoneal cavity. The valve regulates the flow of CSF and prevents excessive accumulation.
The patient population for VP shunt includes individuals with hydrocephalus, which can occur due to various causes such as congenital malformations, tumors, infections, or traumatic brain injury. Patients may present with symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, changes in vision, cognitive impairments, or balance problems.
When considering medication, safety, and cost considerations, it is crucial to ensure that the patient receives appropriate antibiotics prophylaxis to prevent infections. Regular monitoring of the shunt’s functioning and regular follow-up visits are essential to detect any malfunctions or complications. It is also important to consider the cost of the shunt system and its associated surgical procedures, as these can vary depending on the healthcare facility and region.
Risks and Benefits:
VP shunt offers several benefits to patients with hydrocephalus. Firstly, it helps in the management of symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and cognitive impairments by diverting excess CSF away from the brain. This can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and functionality. Additionally, VP shunt can prevent further damage to the brain by reducing the intracranial pressure caused by the accumulation of CSF.
However, complications can arise with VP shunts. The most common complications include infection, blockage, overdrainage, and mechanical failure of the shunt system. Infection can occur at any site along the shunt pathway and may result in serious medical consequences. Blockage of the shunt can lead to CSF accumulation and subsequent symptoms of hydrocephalus recurrence. Overdrainage can cause complications such as subdural hematomas, which may require surgical intervention. Mechanical failure, such as valve dysfunction or disconnection of catheters, can also occur, leading to shunt malfunction.
To prevent complications, regular assessments and monitoring of the shunt system’s functioning are crucial. Early detection of any signs or symptoms of shunt malfunction or infection is vital to ensure prompt intervention. Maintaining a sterile environment during all procedures involving the shunt system is essential in preventing infections. Proper patient education regarding signs of shunt malfunction or infection is also essential for early recognition and intervention.
Interdisciplinary Team’s Roles and Responsibilities:
The interdisciplinary team involved in the care of a patient with a VP shunt includes various healthcare professionals. These can include neurosurgeons, neurologists, neurointensivists, nurses, radiologists, and physical therapists. Each team member has specific roles and responsibilities in the management of the patient.
Neurosurgeons perform the initial placement of the shunt system and are responsible for assessing the patient’s condition to determine the need for shunt revision or other surgical interventions. Neurologists provide consultation regarding the neurological aspects of the patient’s condition and assist in monitoring the patient’s progress and response to treatment.
Nurses play a crucial role in the day-to-day care of patients with VP shunts. They are responsible for monitoring the patient’s vital signs, assessing neurological status, and recognizing any signs of shunt malfunction or infection. Nurses also play a significant role in patient education, teaching the patient and their family members about signs and symptoms to watch for and how to care for the shunt system.
Challenges in working with an interdisciplinary team can include communication barriers, differences in professional values and perspectives, and coordinating care across various specialties. It is important for all team members to effectively communicate, collaborate, and respect each other’s roles and expertise to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Nursing Scope of Practice:
Registered Nurses (RNs) have a critical role in providing care for patients with VP shunts. To provide comprehensive care, nurses need specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Knowledge required includes understanding the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus, the purpose and function of a VP shunt, signs and symptoms of shunt malfunction or infection, and potential complications associated with the procedure.
Skills needed by RNs include the ability to assess and monitor the patient’s neurological status, perform shunt checks, and recognize early signs of shunt malfunction or infection. Nurses must also possess effective communication and teaching skills to educate patients and their families about shunt care, signs of complications, and when to seek medical attention.
Attitudes needed by RNs when caring for patients with VP shunts include empathy, patience, and the ability to provide emotional support to the patient and their family members. Nurses must also maintain a vigilant approach to monitoring for any changes in the patient’s condition and responding promptly to any concerns.
Patient Education:
Patient education is crucial to ensure the patient and their family members understand the purpose of the VP shunt, potential complications, and signs of shunt malfunction or infection. Information to be taught includes the importance of adhering to follow-up appointments, recognizing signs of increased intracranial pressure, and measures to prevent infections.
Teaching methods can include verbal explanations, use of visual aids, and hands-on demonstration of shunt care techniques. Cultural considerations should be taken into account to ensure effective communication and understanding between the healthcare team and the patient/family. Translators and culturally competent resources should be utilized whenever necessary.
The effectiveness of teaching should be evaluated through patient feedback, observed compliance with shunt care protocols, and the absence of complications related to incorrect shunt care or delayed seeking of medical attention.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, VP shunt is a therapeutic modality used to treat hydrocephalus by diverting the flow of excess cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain. It offers several benefits to patients by managing symptoms and preventing further brain damage. However, complications can arise, requiring regular monitoring and prompt intervention. The interdisciplinary team, including nurses, plays a crucial role in the management of patients with VP shunts. Nurses require specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide holistic care and education to patients and their families. Effective patient education is essential to ensure optimal outcomes and prevent complications. By understanding and addressing the various aspects of VP shunt, healthcare professionals can provide high-quality care to patients with hydrocephalus.
