Critical care nurse
-
The choice of colloid or crystalloid solutions for resuscitation of a patient in shock remains controversial. Colloids quickly restore plasma volume along with stabilizing hemodynamics. ⋯ When using crystalloids for resuscitation, two to four times as much fluid is required for fluid repletion. The very young or old or persons with cardiac or renal dysfunction may have an increased risk of developing pulmonary edema when crystalloids are administered.
-
Several studies have reported significant improvement in arterial blood oxygenation with use of the prone position in ARDS. This study, undertaken to examine the effect of the semi-prone position in patients with ARDS, resulted in several important considerations for clinical nursing practice.
-
Nursing assessment, planning, interventions, and evaluation play a major role in the successful respiratory management of infants and children following cardiac surgery. A thorough understanding of the anatomy, physiology, treatment, and nursing assessment and care of these patients is necessary for complete and speedy postoperative recoveries. This article has attempted to highlight the major points in providing optimal levels of nursing care to these challenging patients.
-
How do people make sense of critical illness and the ICU? What does that experience mean to the patient? These questions are of vital importance in selecting nursing interventions that are appropriate as well as therapeutic. The study of individuals and their experiences can provide a rich and unexpected picture of what it is like to live through a critical illness. This information can increase our understanding of the needs of critically ill patients as well as how people in general make sense of their world.