The use of International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) in Postoperative Care of a Patient Diagnosed with a Spinal Cord Tumor

Abstract

Introduction. Spinal canal tumors are divided into intradural or extradural. Depending on the location, their symptoms differ and the prognosis depends on many variables. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used as a diagnostic tool facilitating diagnosis of proliferative lesions of the spinal canal, and the surgical treatment is most commonly used treatment for tumors located in the spinal canal.
Case Report. A 58 year-old patient diagnosed with Intradural extramedullary schwannoma located on the left side of the spinal canal at the L3 level was admitted to the Neurosurgery Clinic based on a referral for surgical treatment. Before surgery, the patient complained about pain in the lumbar region radiating to the lower limbs, feeling of numbness and tingling of the lower left limb for about 2 months and recurring constipation.
Discussion. Patient care after surgery on the spinal cord must be comprehensive. Nursing and therapeutic care should be adopted to the individual needs of the patient following the recommendations.
Conclusions. The case of the patient after surgical removal of the spinal canal tumor indicated the difficulties the patient struggled with. Main nursing care activities provided the patient with assistance in meeting his physiological needs, performing daily activities and helping to return to good physical condition. The acquired knowledge contributed to improving the daily functioning and coping with difficult situations. All the actions taken in this field brought the intended effect. (JNNN 2017;6(3):120–125)