Part A: Consider the vital signs and symptoms in the tutorial cases of Leo (Adult
aSAH) and Tamara (Paediatric MTBI) while in the emergency department.
Which vital signs and symptoms and are indicative of suspected rising intracranial
pressure? Explain the pathophysiology of the chosen signs and symptoms applying
the concepts to the surveillance of neurological deterioration in each case.
Part B: What is the role of the family in the recognition of deterioration and
escalation of care in these tutorial cases? Explain using published evidence.
Refer to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality on Healthcare – standard
eight: recognising and responding to clinical deterioration in acute healthcare
implementing recognition and response systems – Escalation of care:
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/nsqhs-standards/recognisingand-responding-acute-deterioration-standard
The Standard aims to ensure that a person’s acute deterioration is recognised promptly
and appropriate action is taken. Acute deterioration includes physiological changes, as
well as acute changes in cognition and mental state