Critical care nurse
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Critical care nurse · Feb 2017
Reducing Acute Kidney Injury Due to Contrast Material: How Nurses Can Improve Patient Safety.
Acute kidney injury due to contrast material occurs in 3% to 15% of the 2 million cardiac catheterizations done in the United States each year. ⋯ Standardization of evidence-based best practices in nursing care may reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury due to contrast material.
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Critical care nurse · Feb 2017
Comparative StudyPostoperative Patient-Controlled Analgesia in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
High rates of uncontrolled pain in critically ill patients remain common. Patient-controlled analgesia is more effective than traditional intravenous as-needed dosing regimens for managing postoperative pain in older children and adults. ⋯ Standardized use of patient-controlled analgesia for postoperative pain management in patients 10 years of age through adulthood is efficient and effective, as evidenced by less medication being consumed by patients and lower mean pain scores.
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Cardioembolic stroke is a critical health condition that requires immediate intervention. Cardiac emboli are the most common type of embolism and account for 14% to 30% of all ischemic strokes. Atrial fibrillation is the most common cause of cardioembolic strokes, and its prevalence increases substantially with age. ⋯ Nurses must play an active role in screening patients for stroke subtypes, using appropriate diagnostic tools, and providing medical and nursing interventions. Nurses also play a crucial role in prevention by providing education to patients and patients' families on how to recognize stroke signs and symptoms. This case study discusses the course of illness, treatment, and prevention strategies for patients who have suffered cardioembolic stroke due to atrial fibrillation.
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Critical care nurse · Feb 2017
Comparative StudyBeneficial Effects of Guided Imagery or Clinical Massage on the Status of Patients in a Progressive Care Unit.
Patients in the progressive care unit typically experience high levels of pain and anxiety and exhibit difficulty sleeping. ⋯ The results of this study indicate that clinical massage and guided imagery can benefit patients in the progressive care unit.