Hello everyone! I am hoping to seek guidance regarding what other hospitals do when removing an External Ventricular Drain catheter. In most of the resources I have Googled and searched, it is always alluded to that an MD removes the drain either in OR or at Bedside, or an advanced pracitioner such as an NP or PA does so. Try as I might, I cannot seem to find any literature or resource that states a Registered Nurse may remove the drain. I have also been trying to search Board of Nursing sites, but nothing definative has appeared. What is the practice in other Neruoscience ICUs out there? How do you all remove EVDs in your facilities? If possible, please send me links to whatever resources you have regarding this topicPlease let me know! I would love to understand how best to approach this topic
Surprised1, MSN, RN 128 Posts Specializes in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery. Has 11 years experience. May 3, 2017 Our neurosurgeons remove them.
bgxyrnf, MSN, RN 1,208 Posts Specializes in Med-Tele; ED; ICU. Has 10 years experience. May 3, 2017 Ditto. They're removed by the NSG residents.
m1lkofamnesia 240 Posts Specializes in ICU. Has 2 years experience. May 5, 2017 Neurosurgery residents or Neurosurgery NP's remove them. No removal by RNs.
/username, BSN, RN 526 Posts Specializes in Critical Care. May 10, 2017 Occasionally, the RN will remove them, but it is most commonly removed by neurosurgery.
NurseNancy888 6 Posts Jan 9, 2018 Neurosurgeon, nurses need to make sure physicians are aware of patient status prior to removal.. do not be let them remove ventric if patient has not yet been weaned off ventilator! (Coughing will most likely raise ICP's) the result will be brain infarction with herniation.. brain death.
CowboyMedic, BSN, RN 681 Posts Specializes in SRNA, Med-Surg-Neuro ICU, SDICU, EMS. Has 8 years experience. Jan 11, 2018 Neurosurgery. I currently have a pt that is on a Ventric and they will be going for a VP shunt today so the neurosurgeon will remove the EVD then place the VP shunt.
Surly Tim 2 Posts Mar 26, 2018 RN can remove them but (any) doctor needs to place a stich at the insertiin site.
Delia37, MSN 147 Posts Specializes in Critical Care. Has 15 years experience. Sep 21, 2018 NSGY residents. That is, unless the patient gets to it.LoL...I know, Right??!!
Delia37, MSN 147 Posts Specializes in Critical Care. Has 15 years experience. Sep 21, 2018 In my experience, only the MDs, NP/PAs are allowed to discontinue EVDs. I am not aware of any facility that allows their nurses to do this and honestly, there is such a high rick of bleeding that I don't think this is within the scope of practice of a regular nurse; but again, always check your facility policy.
