Provide Symptomatic Relief and Reduce Risk of Complications
Monitor vital signs and assess all physiologic systems (especially for mental status changes, signs of increased ICP, and neurologic dysfunction). Assess for pain and other discomfort and provide analgesia, other symptomatic relief, and supportive care (e.g., fluids, nutrition, repositioning), as ordered. Review laboratory/diagnostic test results, immediately report abnormalities, and treat, as ordered
Maintain airway and provide supplemental oxygen or airway support, as ordered
Assess fall risk and maintain patient safety (e.g., airway, circulation, and prevention of injury); institute seizure and infection control precautions, per facility protocol
Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) and supervise all activity
The clinician may order antibiotics and corticosteroids; administer medications, as ordered, and monitor treatment efficacy and for adverse effects (consult a drug information resource for a complete listing of adverse effects)
Request referral to an infectious disease clinician if one is not already part of the treatment team and to a neurosurgeon, as appropriate
Follow facility pre- and postsurgical protocols if patient becomes a candidate for surgery; reinforce pre- and postsurgical education and verify completion of facility informed consent documents. Monitor for complications following any procedure