Understanding external ventricular drainage.

An understanding of the ventricular system and cerebrospinal fluid production is essential to providing appropriate care to the patient undergoing external ventricular drainage. A brief operative procedure introducing an external ventricular drain is a valuable treatment for increased intracranial pressure; however, its value must not obscure the associated risk of infection. Critical nursing care associated with successful patient outcomes includes both comprehensive neurological assessments and appropriate external ventricular drainage system maintenance.