Critical care nurse
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Critical care nurse · Feb 2022
Improving Corrected QT Interval Monitoring in Critical Care Units: A Single Center Report.
Corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation is a type of ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Recommendations for QTc interval monitoring for critical care nurses are limited and variable. ⋯ This QTc interval monitoring protocol improved nurses' ability to identify and monitor patients with increased risk of QTc interval prolongation. Adherence was less than desired, suggesting that further protocol revisions are required.
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Traumatic stress occurs in children when their coping mechanisms are overwhelmed by exposure to traumatic events or situations. Estimates indicate that as many as 80% of ill and injured children experience traumatic stress after such exposure. Critically ill or injured children are especially at risk for the development of traumatic stress, including acute stress reaction and posttraumatic stress disorder. ⋯ This article presents types of traumatic stress, risk factors for the development of traumatic stress, clinical findings in children and adolescents, and nursing strategies for preventing and managing traumatic stress in pediatric patients. Critical care and acute care nurses are in an excellent position to assess children for symptoms of acute stress reaction and posttraumatic stress disorder during or after a stay in the intensive care unit, to implement strategies to prevent or ease the symptoms of acute stress reaction and posttraumatic stress disorder, and to make appropriate referrals for children and their families after exposure to traumatic stressors.