Perform craniotomy/scalp incision and wound care and assess the site; pair every head assessment with the neuro exam.
Provide skilled post-neurosurgical and post-head-injury surveillance with parameter-based/protocol escalation.
Protect occipital scalp integrity in the immobile resident and manage scalp wounds per order.
Teaching / training (to mastery)
Teach the resident/representative post-neurosurgical incision care and activity precautions, and the head-injury warning signs, with teach-back.
Train CNAs on positioning to protect the occiput, and prompt reporting of a headache, vomiting, drowsiness, or incision change, with documented understanding.
