What is a priority of care when a child has an external ventricular drain (EVD)?
a. Irrigation of drain to maintain flow
b. As-needed dressing changes if dressing becomes wet
c. Frequent assessment of amount and color of drainage
d. Maintaining the EVD below the level of the child's head
ANS: C
The EVD is inserted into the child's ventricle. Frequent assessment is necessary to determine amount of drainage and whether an infection is present. The EVD is a closed system and is not opened for irrigation. Antibiotics may be administered through the drain, but this is usually done by the neuropractitioner. The dressing is not changed. If it becomes wet, then the practitioner should be notified that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be leaking. Unless ordered, maintaining the EVD below the level of the child's head position will create too much pressure and potentially drain too much CSF.
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