Course Objectives

The goal of this course is to provide nurses and other healthcare providers with information about the care of a patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage, including etiology, signs and symptoms, and current treatment strategies. At the end of this program, the learner will be able to:

• Define and describe the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Identify relevant anatomical structures in the brain associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage and its sequelae.
• Recognize at least one theory regarding the etiology of cerebral aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Describe 3 ways in which cerebral aneurysms are classified by shape and size.
• Identify the basic pathophysiology of neurological damage following a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Recognize warning signs and symptoms of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and signs occurring at the time of major bleeding.
• Discuss techniques used to diagnose subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Identify principles of initial management for a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• List at least 5 interventions that are part of aneurysm precautions.
• Recognize 2 potentially life threatening complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Describe 5 types of drugs that may be used to prevent complications in the patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Discuss surgical and interventional radiological options for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Describe 3 major responsibilities of the nurse in protecting the patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage from life-threatening complications.