Critical care nurse
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Critical care nurse · Apr 2023
ReviewImpact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units: A Scoping Review.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant system strain, requiring rapid redeployment of nurses to intensive care units. Little is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and surge models on nurses. ⋯ Nurses working in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced adverse psychological outcomes, with unique stressors and challenges observed among both permanent intensive care unit and redeployed nurses. Further research is required to understand the impact of these outcomes over the full duration of the pandemic, among at-risk groups, and within the context of redeployment roles.
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Critical care nurse · Apr 2023
Case ReportsPressure Injury Prevention in Patients in Prone Position With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and COVID-19.
In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, prone positioning improves oxygenation and reduces mortality. Pressure injuries occur frequently because of prolonged prone positioning in high-risk patients, and preventive measures are limited. This article describes 2 patients who developed minimal pressure injuries despite several prone positionings. Prevention strategies are also described. ⋯ For both patients, the additional application of polyurethane foam was effective for preventing pressure injuries. These case reports support the addition of polyurethane foam to prevent pressure injuries in patients placed in the prone position.
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Critical care nurse · Apr 2023
App-Based Mindfulness Intervention to Improve Psychological Outcomes in Pretransplant Patients With Heart Failure.
Patients hospitalized with life-threatening conditions experience psychological stressors that can lead to anxiety and poor patient outcomes. Mindfulness stress reduction interventions have been shown to decrease stress and anxiety with sustained effect. ⋯ A brief mindfulness intervention holds promise for improving stress, anxiety, and resilience for patients with advanced heart failure awaiting transplant. Nurse-led stress reduction interventions are imperative for best patient outcomes. An evidence-based intervention of mindfulness practice embedded into daily usual patient care may be a feasible option.
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Critical care nurse · Apr 2023
Case ReportsNursing Care of an Older Patient With Severe COVID-19 Receiving Prolonged Prone Ventilation: A Case Report.
Prone positioning has been shown to improve ventilation status for patients with severe COVID-19 who are receiving mechanical ventilation. This case report describes the nursing care of a patient with severe COVID-19 who underwent prone ventilation for 72 hours. Relevant nursing management and operational considerations are also discussed. ⋯ During prolonged prone ventilation of a patient with severe COVID-19, nursing strategies included airway management, early lung rehabilitation training guided by pulmonary ultrasonography, skin care, hierarchical management of nurses, hemodynamic support, and enteral nutrition. This report may assist critical care nurses caring for similar patients.
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Critical care nurse · Apr 2023
Implementing a Unit-Based Alarm Management Bundle for Critical Care Nurses.
Clinical alarms are designed to signal an unsatisfactory patient physiological state and alert staff members to malfunctioning medical equipment. Alarm desensitization and fatigue can occur when clinicians are exposed to an overwhelming number of clinical alarms, particularly nonactionable alarms. ⋯ The Joint Commission's 2022 goal of improving clinical alarm safety remains a top priority nationwide. Implementation of the CEASE alarm management bundle was effective in reducing surgical intensive care unit nurses' alarm fatigue and improving their alarm management practices.