Update of the Pharmacologic Management of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a subtype of hemorrhagic stroke associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is defined by bleeding into the subarachnoid space after the rupture of a cerebral artery aneurysm. Despite advances in early diagnosis and improvements in neurocritical care, mortality remains high; the 90-day case-fatality rate is close to 30%. Long-term morbidity is significant, with roughly half of patients failing to return to baseline level of functioning and a quarter of patients requiring long-term assistance with activities of daily living. Treatment of aneurysmal SAH centers on limiting early rebleeding with subsequent monitoring and pharmacologic management of complications. After initial stabilization, the major complications of aneurysmal SAH includes seizures, elevated intracranial pressure, and vasospasm leading to delayed cerebral ischemia. The purpose of this article is to describe contemporary pharmacologic strategies used to treat aneurysmal SAH.

Objectives

List drug therapies used in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Describe therapeutic options used to improve outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage
List drug therapies used in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

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.