Critical care nursing update: Neurological deficits

Neurological deficits are common yet complex challenges in critical care. From altered levels of consciousness to pain management and the assessment of brain death, recognising and responding to neurological changes is essential for improving patient outcomes. This webinar supports the Critical Care Nursing (CCN) course and provides an in-depth review of key neurological concerns in the ICU, including pain assessment, delirium management, cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), and brain death testing.

What will be covered:

• Neurological assessment in the ICU: what to look for and why it matters 

• Pain in the unconscious or sedated patient: assessment and management strategies

• Delirium: detection, prevention and treatment using the latest guidelines

• Acute stroke in the ICU: types, presentation, and management priorities

• Brain death: clinical testing, documentation, and communication with families

Why you should attend:

Critical care nurses are often the first to notice subtle changes in a patient's neurological status. Using patient case studies and interactive polls, this webinar will update your knowledge to recognise and respond to neurological changes promptly and confidently. Whether you're consolidating your skills or preparing for advanced practice roles, this session will enhance your clinical reasoning, improve patient care, and support your progression as an expert clinician.

Learning objectives:

• Describe the clinical signs and symptoms of neurological deterioration in critically ill patients

• Apply best-practice approaches to pain and delirium assessment in non-verbal/intubated patients

• Differentiate between types of CVA and outline initial ICU management priorities

• State the clinical criteria and procedural steps for brain death determination

• Communicate neurological findings and concerns effectively within the healthcare team

This is a Medcast Continuing Medical Education (CME) course.