Dimensions of critical care nursing : DCCN
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Jan 2008
ReviewSpirituality: a dimension of holistic critical care nursing.
Although many patients face significant physical needs, their mind and spirit may be ill as well. Three facets make up an individual: physical, mental, and spiritual. ⋯ Spirituality is one such area of patient care that, when addressed, can reap positive benefits for both the client and the healthcare provider. This article explores all aspects of spirituality for the critical care nurse.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Jan 2008
ReviewUsing the Synergy Model as best practice in endotracheal tube suctioning of critically ill patients.
Endotracheal suctioning with normal saline is a common practice in intensive care units. This unit reviews research concerning this practice as well as the adverse effects of saline instillation. In addition, the role of the critical care nurse as it pertains to the synergy model when caring for these patients is highlighted.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Jan 2008
Comparative StudyComparing tympanic temperatures in both ears to oral temperature in the critically ill adult.
Tympanic temperatures are often used in the critical care units to measure core body temperatures when pulmonary artery catheters are not available. This study was conducted to compare tympanic temperatures in the right and left ear with oral temperatures. The findings of this study show that choosing the optimal site for each patient and using patient-specific site consistently would result in better tracking of changes in temperature and, thus, timely diagnosis of fever.