Intra-abdominal Hypertension and the Open Abdomen: Nursing Guidelines From the Abdominal Compartment Society

• Published in: Critical care nurse Vol. 40; no. 1; pp. 13 - 26
• Main Authors: Lee, Rosemary K, Gallagher, John J, Ejike, Janeth Chiaka, Hunt, Leanne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.02.2020
• Subjects: Nursing
• ISSN: 0279-5442; 1940-8250
• DOI: 10.4037/ccn2020772

Intra-abdominal hypertension has been identified as an independent risk factor for death in critically ill patients. Known risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension indicate that intra-abdominal pressures should be measured and monitored. The Abdominal Compartment Society has identified medical and surgical interventions to relieve intra-abdominal hypertension or to manage the open abdomen if abdominal compartment syndrome occurs. The purpose of this article is to describe assessments and interventions for managing intra-abdominal hypertension and open abdomen that are within the scope of practice for direct-care nurses. These guidelines provide direction to critical care nurses caring for these patients.