Hyperosmolar Therapy in the Management of Intracranial Hypertension

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

Pharmacological options to correct intracranial hypertension include mannitol and hypertonic saline. This article provides a comprehensive description of each agent including their mechanism of action, potential adverse reactions and monitoring parameters. Current clinical practice guidelines are referenced and the authors note that evidence related to these treatments is mostly of low quality. Health care teams determine which agent to use should carefully consider patient specific factors such as renal and cardiac function.

Objectives

Describe the mechanism of action of mannitol and hypertonic saline in the management of intracranial hypertension
Identify monitoring parameters and adverse events related to mannitol and hypertonic saline
Recognize special considerations for administration and place in therapy of mannitol and hypertonic saline in the management of intracranial

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must attend/view/read the entire activity and complete the associated evaluation to be awarded the contact hours or CERP. No partial credit will be awarded.

Disclosure

This activity has been reviewed by the Nurse Planner. It has been determined that the material presented here shows no bias. No conflicts of interest have been identified for any individual with the ability to influence the content of this activity. Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN or ANCC approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC's) Commission on Accreditation, ANCC Provider Number 0012. AACN has been approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the California State Board of Nursing (CBRN), California Provider number CEP 1036. This activity is approved for 1.00 contact hours.

AACN programming meets the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education contact hours for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting CE to fulfill continuing education requirements.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.