Affiliations: Horizon/CMS Healthcare Corporation D/B/A, Greenery Rehabilitation Center, 2200 Hill Church, Houston Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317, USA | JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, Cognitive Rehabilitation Program, Edison, NJ, USA
Abstract: The survival of patients in low level neurologic states following traumatic brain injury requires the provision of quality rehabilitation nursing care. This article presents a concise, multi-system overview of the nursing care issues most commonly encountered in patients who are functioning at Rancho Levels I, II, and III. Included is a review of the most frequently encountered complications and nursing interventions. Reaction patterns of family members and the role of the nurse in providing support and therapeutic interventions is also discussed. The importance of astute observation of neurobehavioral responsiveness and subsequent input to the interdisciplinary team is addressed, including discussion of the nurse's core role as an integral member of the team.
Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, Rehabilitation nursing, Coma, Arousal, Vegetative states
