Psychological impact of neurotrauma in the acute care setting.

Meeting the psychological needs of neurotrauma patients in the acute care setting is a challenging experience. Nurses must be aware of and cope with their own emotional responses to devastating losses experienced by the spinal cord injured and head trauma patients. Specific interventions for neurology patients can be designed to minimize the psychological trauma imposed by intensive care units. Assisting the patient through the initial crisis period and establishing short-term, realistic goals is crucial. The acute care setting and the successful management of psychological needs are the foundation the neurotrauma patient builds on as he begins the long, arduous journey through the rehabilitation process.