Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
In the neuroscience intensive care unit (NSICU), nurses rely on advanced monitoring tools to detect neurological deterioration. Two noninvasive measures, heart rate variability (HRV) and pupillary light reflex (PLR), are used to assess autonomic nervous system function; however, it remains unclear whether these indicators provide overlapping or distinct information. The purpose of this observational prospective study is to evaluate the relationship between HRV and quantitative pupillometry measurements to determine whether these noninvasive indicators provide congruent information. Data already collected as routine care from NSICU patients is extracted from the medical record for analysis. Understanding the correlation between HRV and PLR could have major implications for patients with acquired brain injury. If a significant relationship exists, nurses could incorporate HRV and pupillometry to monitor autonomic function, potentially enhancing bedside efficiency. This study highlights the critical role nurses play in implementing and interpreting neurophysiological monitoring data and advances noninvasive assessments within daily neurocritical care routines.
Disciplines
Neuroscience and Neurobiology | Nursing
Publication Date
Spring 2026
Language
English
Faculty Mentor of Honors Project
Maxine Adegbola
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Castillo, Ximena, "Blink & Beat: Pupillometry Response In Autonomic Nervous System Monitoring" (2026). 2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects. 16.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/honors_spring2026/16