Neurologic considerations in the critical care phase.

The critical care phase of spinal cord injury includes basic physiologic support of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as attempts to combat secondary effects of the injury. Critical care management is also aimed at preventing the complications of this devastating injury. Research has turned its focus to improving the neurologic outcome for these patients and the use of new pharmacologic agents will hopefully meet this goal in the near future. The critical care nurse is the most important component in meeting the goals of critical care management. Continued assessment and monitoring of the patient and appropriate nursing interventions are critical to allow the patient the best chance for optimal recovery.