Critical care nurse
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Nutritional therapy in the head-injured patient is designed to prevent catabolism of lean body cell mass; minimize specific and potential complications; and assist the patient to return to normal nutritional status. Prompt nutritional support accompanied by physical therapy can enhance long term rehabilitation. The critical care nurse plays a major role in this process by providing nutrition along with hemodynamic and neurologic stabilization.
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Nurses in a full range of settings from acute to home care are increasingly exposed to the use and maintenance of central VADs. Although the advantages of central VADs are well recognized, the incidence and potential for complications associated with these devices should not be minimized. The major complication of catheter occlusion has the potential of inducing significant morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the following care plan is to familiarize the nurse with the information needed to restore catheter patency efficiently, safely, and effectively, thereby reducing the potential complications and enhancing the quality of patient care.