Dimensions of critical care nursing : DCCN
-
Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Nov 2015
Review Case ReportsPronation therapy case report: nurse's perspective and lessons learned.
This article describes a brief review of prone therapy and its efficacy and effect on mortality in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Furthermore, the situational background and clinical events that transpired prior to, during, and after the institution of pronation therapy for Elkhart General Hospital's Critical Care Center's first pronation patient using the RotoProne Therapy System are described from the nurse's perspective. The lessons learned from this first experience have led to the formation of several practice-based recommendations for future patient care.
-
Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Nov 2015
Facilitating palliative care referrals in the intensive care unit: a pilot project.
Palliative care in intensive care units (ICUs) reduces costs and improves outcomes yet is consistently underused; studies suggest that screening tools increase the use of palliative services. ⋯ Data suggest that the PPSv2 was well received by the bedside nurses and changed practice patterns with regard to facilitating palliative care services.
-
Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Nov 2015
Case ReportsPromotion of progressive mobility activities with ventricular assist and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit.
Progressive mobility (PM) is a clinical intervention that influences complications experienced throughout critical illness. Early PM is a relevant topic in critical care practice literature and was principle to introducing a PM care guideline in an acute cardiothoracic/cardiovascular intensive care unit. ⋯ Development of a PM guideline uses a critical appraisal of practice evidence, highlights multidisciplinary collaboration, and increases progression to ambulation. Mobility for complex patients is attainable, as demonstrated in the postguideline outcomes. The PM guideline provides structure to primary caregivers and promotes safe practices. The PM guideline facilitates an advanced level of care, promotes safe practices, champions holistic recovery, and encourages active patient involvement, goals satisfying to both patients and staff.