Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity After Acquired Brain Injury: An Integrative Literature Review

Author(s): WhaSook Seo, PhD, RN

Contact Hours 1.00

CERP A 1.00

Expires Feb 01, 2026

Topics: Neurology

Population: Pediatric, Adult

Role: Staff

Fees
Member: Free
NonMember: $10.00

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Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) may occur in patients with acute brain injury and is associated with physical disability, poor clinical outcomes, prolonged hospitalization, and higher health care costs. This article discusses an integrative review about PSH. Critical care nurses should be aware of the signs and symptoms of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity in patients with acute brain injury. Early identification is important to ensure timely treatment for patients with PSH.

Objectives

  • Review current literature on paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) to understand its clinical significance.
  • Provide integrative review about PSH by broadening search terms and the number of databases used.
  • Discuss key themes about nursing perspectives on PSH.

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.

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Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.