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 complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation to be awarded contact hours AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity. Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.