Critical care nurse
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Critical care nurse · Dec 2023
Use of a Digital Air Leak Detection Device to Decrease Chest Tube Duration.
The aim of this evidence-based practice project was to determine if a digital air leak detection device could speed the identification of chest tube air leak cessation in patients after pulmonary lobectomy. Staff members assessing air leaks have varying levels of expertise, and the digital device is a limited resource in the study institution. A chest tube management algorithm is necessary to standardize care and determine which patients are most likely to benefit. ⋯ Critical care nurses are valued team members who treat patients after lung resections. Digital air leak detection devices can help them assess air leaks more accurately, benefiting the patients in their care.
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Critical care nurse · Dec 2023
Using a Fluid Resuscitation Algorithm to Reduce the Incidence of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in the Burn Intensive Care Unit.
Patients with large burns must be carefully resuscitated to balance adequate tissue perfusion with the risk of end-organ damage. One devastating complication of overresuscitation is abdominal compartment syndrome. Reducing the volume of fluids given during resuscitation may reduce the incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome and improve outcomes. ⋯ Despite a significant decrease in the amount of fluid administered, no significant difference was found in incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome or urine output. Matched prospective studies are needed to improve resuscitation care for patients with large burns.
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Critical care nurse · Dec 2023
Case ReportsNursing Management of a Patient With Fulminant Myocarditis and Electrical Storm Receiving ECMO: A Case Report.
Fulminant myocarditis is a devastating disease with significant mortality and complications. The care of patients with fulminant myocarditis is rarely reported. ⋯ This case report presents the activities of bedside nurses in caring for a patient with fulminant myocarditis and broadens the literature describing nursing interventions for patients with fulminant myocarditis.
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Critical care nurse · Dec 2023
Prone Positioning in Patients With COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Patients critically ill with COVID-19 develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and may undergo prone positioning. ⋯ This retrospective review found greater improvement in oxygenation in the COVID-19 ARDS group than in the non-COVID-19 ARDS group. This finding may be attributed to the assertive prone positioning protocol during the pandemic and teams whose skills and training were likely enhanced by the pandemic demand. Prone positioning did not affect intensive care unit length of stay or intubation days in either group.