The nurse is applying pneumatic compression boots on a post-operative craniotomy patient. The reason for this device is to reduce the risk of developing:

Question

1. Meningitis
2. A deep vein thromboembolism
3. A cerebrospinal fluid leak
4. Seizures

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Prophylaxis to prevent meningitis includes good hand washing, maintaining aseptic technique when handling external ventricular drains, tubes, and surgical sites, and administering antibiotic medications.
Rationale 2: Prophylaxis for deep vein thromboembolism is recommended for most patients following surgery for malignant primary brain tumors. Pneumatic compression boots and graduated compression stockings have been shown to decrease the occurrence of venous thromboemboli without increasing intracranial pressure.
Rationale 3: Prophylaxis to prevent a cerebral spinal fluid leak includes keeping the intracranial pressure at a normal level by keeping the head of the bed at 30 degrees and administering glucocorticoid medications.
Rationale 4: Prophylaxis for seizures is the use of medications such as Dilantin (phenytoin) and Phenobarbital.