Critical care nurse
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Critical care nurse · Jun 2019
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyImplementation and Analysis of a Free Water Protocol in Acute Trauma and Stroke Patients.
Free water protocols allow patients who aspirate thin liquids and meet eligibility criteria to have access to water or ice according to specific guidelines. Limited research is available concerning free water protocols in acute care settings. ⋯ Larger-scale studies are needed to reach decisive conclusions on the positive outcomes and negative indicators of a free water protocol in the acute care setting.
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Critical care nurse · Jun 2019
Review Comparative StudyStandard Versus Alternative Ventilator Modes: What's the Difference?
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Critical care nurse · Jun 2019
ReviewUsing Valid and Reliable Tools for Pain and Sedation Assessment in Pediatric Patients.
Pain management and sedation strategies have become more complex in recent years, with accompanying documented increases in morbidity and mortality. Consequently, various government agencies and professional associations have issued requirements or recommendations designed to ensure optimal and safe pain management in different populations. The pediatric nurse must understand the rationale behind these guidelines, which pain and sedation assessment tools are valid and reliable, how and when to use these tools, and the purpose and limitations of each tool. This article summarizes the recent recommendations, identifies valid and reliable pediatric pain and sedation assessment tools, and describes the appropriate use of these tools to provide safe and high-quality patient care.
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Critical care nurse · Jun 2019
ReviewReversing Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Acute Intracranial Hemorrhage.
Intracerebral hemorrhage is a major source of morbidity and mortality, accounting for 10% of all strokes. Oral anticoagulation therapy, while necessary to prevent thromboembolic complications, increases the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage and can potentially worsen bleeding in cases of acute hemorrhage. ⋯ Anticoagulation reversal in the setting of acute intracerebral hemorrhage is an evolving field. This article covers the most common direct oral anticoagulant medications, various available anticoagulant reversal strategies, and the latest guidelines for anticoagulation reversal in patients with acute intracranial hemorrhage.
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Critical care nurse · Jun 2019
ReviewImproving Family Intensive Care Unit Experiences at the End of Life: Barriers and Facilitators.
Experiencing the end of life of a family member in the intensive care unit is clearly difficult. An important role of critical care nurses is to help family members through this challenging period. ⋯ Facilitators include specific aspects of communication, the nurse's role as the coordinator of care, bereavement care, promoting a "good death," and caring for health care providers. Barriers include medical uncertainty and differences in values and culture.