AACN advanced critical care
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Sepsis is a complex condition that occurs as a result of the systemic manifestation of infection. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality risks for critically ill patients. ⋯ Awareness of the risk factors, clinical signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, and updates in the management of sepsis can enhance the nursing care for patients with severe sepsis to promote best practices for sepsis care in the intensive care unit. This article reviews the incidence and pathophysiology of sepsis, highlighting updates in treatment and implications for nursing care.
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Hemodynamics in sepsis change as sepsis develops. Initial hemodynamics of sepsis often are much different from later stages of sepsis, shifting from low cardiac output states to high cardiac output states. Tissue oxygenation also changes with initial mixed venous oxyhemoglobin (Svo2) or central venous oxyhemoglobin (Scvo2) levels below normal, with later stages reflecting high values. ⋯ Fortunately, hemodynamic monitoring techniques are markedly improved from older techniques such as the pulmonary artery catheter. With noninvasive techniques such as esophageal and external Doppler for measuring hemodynamics, clinicians beyond the intensive care unit can make hemodynamic assessments that were not possible until just recently. This improved assessment should make it much easier to properly identify sepsis and initiate appropriate treatments in a timely manner.
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Central line-associated bloodstream infections are considered to be an avoidable complication of care delivery. In addition to considerable morbidity and use of resources, central line-associated bloodstream infections carry an attributable morality between 12% and 25%. ⋯ A significant reduction or elimination of central line-associated bloodstream infections can occur with implementation of a comprehensive central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention program that includes staff education, hand hygiene, use of maximal sterile barrier precautions, chlorhexidine gluconate skin antisepsis, avoidance of femoral lines, empowerment of staff to stop the procedure if sterile technique is broken, and daily assessment of the continued need for a central line. This article focuses on strategies for implementing a comprehensive central line-associated bloodstream infections prevention program and a tool and process for defect analysis as part of a statewide collaborative in Michigan.
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The prolonged use of indwelling urinary catheters can lead to many complications, the most prevalent being urinary tract infections. These hospital-acquired infections can increase hospital costs, length of stay, and mortality rates. Evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of urinary tract infections are compared and discussed. ⋯ A multidisciplinary team was convened to create an evidence-based plan. Staff nurses were engaged in the development and implementation of the plan. Criteria-based foley catheter guidelines, a decision-making algorithm, and a daily checklist were implemented that led to a significant reduction in foley catheter device days and a decrease in catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
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Shock, or tissue hypoperfusion, is a frequent complication from traumatic injury. Despite the etiology of the shock state, there is always some component of hypovolemia. The body's innate ability to compensate for impaired perfusion may mask clinical signs, leading to delays in treatment. This article presents an overview of these compensatory mechanisms and resuscitation strategies from the vantage point of routine hemodynamic monitoring.