I need to develop a plan of care for a patient, and one of their diagnoses is Critical Care Neuropathy. I know what sensory, diabetic, and autonomic neuropathy are, but not this kind. Are they similar? There is no information in my books on this disorder, and I couldn't find anything online.Can someone please help me out and let me know where I can find more detailed information on this disorder?Thank you!
Altra, BSN, RN 6,255 Posts Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU. Apr 5, 2005 I'm in my critical care rotation now - I haven't heard this term. I'm wondering if it's r/t what has also been called "ICU psychosis" - alterations in mental/neuro status from the continual stimulation and lack of normal light/dark sleep/wake cycles in the ICU environment?
Guest70758 48 Posts Apr 6, 2005 Just in case you were curious...Critical care neuropathy develops as part of a syndrome consisting of sepsis and respiratory failure. This syndrome occurs in 70% of septic patients in a CCU, but more than half are not significantly symptomatic. It appears to be cause by a combo of sepsis and sedation, although no one really knows the patho behind it.It manifests with vent weaning difficulty, motor neuropathy (and some sensory), and distal muscle weakness. About 50% of affected patiens will recover completely, while most will recover a significant amount of nerve function.Thanks to responses to my post in the neuro critical care discussion, I now understand my patient much better than before!
