AACN advanced critical care
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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.
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The integration of data from a pulmonary artery catheter when used as part of a goal-directed plan of care may benefit certain groups of critically ill patients. Integral to the successful use of the pulmonary artery catheter is to accurately obtain and interpret invasive pressure monitoring data. ⋯ Recommendations to optimize the invasive pressure monitoring system are presented. Finally, functional hemodynamic indices, which are more sensitive and specific indices than static indices (pulmonary artery and right artrial pressure) of the ability to respond to a fluid bolus, will be introduced.
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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.