A small compilation of nurse anesthesia care plans

These anesthesia care plans are meant to inspire nurse anesthesia residents when they are making their care plans. Always make sure you fully understand and "own" your care plan. Your plan must be specific for your patient and should always be with the most up-to-date information.

Chiari Malformation Overview

Pathophysiology

Portions of the cerebellum protrude through the foramen magnum and may compress the brain stem and upper cervical cord

Tethered spinal cord

The lower end of the cord has an abnormal attachment to surrounding structures, stretching and damaging the spinal cord

Syringomyelia

Chiari malformation is often accompanied by syringomyelia, where CSF is located abnormally within the spinal cord

Syrinx

Cyst or cavity formed within the spinal cord

chiariType I Chiari

The cerebellar tonsils are herniated through the foramen magnum

Type II Chiari

The tonsils, vermis, 4th ventricle, Pons, and medulla are displaced caudally through the foramen magnum. The cerebellar vermis is a narrow, wormlike structure between the hemispheres of the cerebellum

Type III Chiari

Defect in the back of the head or neck through which the cerebellum and/or brainstem is herniated

Type IV Chiari

Usually, they do not survive past infancy