Identification of Preoperative Profile For Patients With Brain Tumors and the Role of Nursing Care in the Neurosurgery Unit at Alexandria University Hospital

Abstract

Brain tumors usually alter the tissues in which they are located. Thus, the immediate behavioral consequences of a brain tumor directly reflect the functions of the neural systems in the vicinity of the tumour. Nursing care is a very important part of the treatment plan of brain tumors.  The goals of nursing care depend on the patient's needs and how the tumor has affected his or her daily activities. A descriptive analysis of 30 preoperative adult patients has been carried out at the Neurosurgery unit at Alexandria University Hospital between March to September 2019 was conducted at the morning and afternoon shift. Thirty adult preoperative patients of both sexes were consented and recruited to the study. A preoperative assessment sheet was developed. Analysis of the prevalence of preoperative symptoms was conducted. The preoperative symptoms include: headache (93.8%), dizziness (71.4%), seizures (50%), anxiety (45.8%), loss of attention and concentration (66.7%). Assessment of cranial nerves and motor functions revealed: defective or absent central vision (36.7%), dilated pupil (30%), the trochear and abducent nerves were not affected in all patients (100%), muscle atrophy (12.5%), positive Romberg test (41.7%), finger-to-finger test was impaired (34.8%) of patients, heel to shin test was impaired in one-third (33.3%) of the assessed population. Identification of patients’ problems and analysis of these problems are very important to the nurse to fulfill the required nursing care to provide success for brain tumor operations and either relieve or adapt the patients manifestations to accommodate with their medical condition.