This article has discussed three major categories of neurologic injury following cardiac surgery. The primary pathophysiologic mechanisms for cerebral injury are thought to be related to reperfusion phenomena and neuronal cellular changes, hypoperfusion, and microemboli while on CPB. The type of symptoms the patient manifests range from fatal cerebral injury to more commonly seen episodes of mild, transient confusion. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors are discussed. The critical care nurse's role in assessing early detection of changes, offering reassurance to both the family and patient, and providing continuity of care are summarized.
Brain Ischemia Cardiac Surgical Procedures