Advanced emergency nursing journal
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Simplifying subclavian vein cannulation using innovative landmarks: a radiologic, anatomic, and clinical study.
The objective of this study was to investigate novel and optimal landmarks for subclavian vein (SV) cannulation. We conducted the study in three phases: (a) Various possible markers for SV cannulation were evaluated by anatomic measurements in patients from intensive care unit and the course of SV was evaluated by radiologic means; (b) Results acquired by the two means were compared and adjusted, then innovative landmarks and a new approach for SV cannulation was proposed; (c) The efficacy of new approach for SV cannulation was compared with that of a traditional one by a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Point A (the junction of the lateral border of sternocleidomastoideus clavicular head and inferior border of clavicle), point B (a point on the lower border of clavicle just above the middle of the line joining the coracoid process and midline of the body), and point D (where SV crosses the inferior border of clavicle) were close in proximity. ⋯ Beginners using the new method had significantly higher success rate (86.9% vs. 70.2%, p = 0.008); the time consumed by new method was significant shorter than that by traditional one (5.9 vs. 10.4 min, p = 0.001). Points A and B could be considered as landmarks for identifying puncture site for SV cannulation. Beginners using innovative landmarks for SV cannulation could significantly reduce operation time and increase success rate.
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Patients who present to the emergency department want definitive care by a health care provider who can perform an initial assessment, initiate treatment, and implement a disposition plan. The traditional "nurse triage" model often creates barriers to the process of rapidly evaluating patients. ⋯ One such approach is a rapid team triage system that provides a patient-centered process. This article describes the implementation of a rapid team triage model in an urban community hospital.
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Comparative Study
The impact of ED boarding time, severity of illness, and discharge destination on outcomes of critically ill ED patients.
This aim of this study was to determine the association between emergency department (ED) boarding time, severity of illness, and outcomes for critically ill patients. This was a prospective cohort study of ED patients who met criteria for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ Factors associated with increased mortality included patients who spent 6 hr or longer in the ED, had a fever, were admitted in the evening or night, or were indirect ICU admissions. Length of time spent in the ED prior to transfer to inpatient care is one of several factors associated with increased mortality in critical care patients who were intubated in the ED.