Dimensions of critical care nursing : DCCN
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Mar 2016
ReviewThe Effect of Chlorhexidine Bathing on Rates of Nosocomial Infections Among the Critically Ill Population: An Analysis of Current Clinical Research and Recommendations for Practice.
This literature review examined the current research of evidence-based standards to evaluate the effectiveness of daily bathing with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG; manufactured by Sage Products Inc) compared with traditional non-antimicrobial bathing on reducing the incidence of nosocomial infections in the critically ill population. ⋯ The analysis of the 3 primary studies revealed similar findings that support the recommendation for the implementation of daily bathing with 2% CHG in the critically ill population. Further research will inform clinicians on the susceptibility of bacteria to CHG and the probability of creating microbial resistance.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Mar 2016
An Innovative Approach to Improving the Accuracy of Delirium Assessments Using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit.
Delirium occurs in up to 80% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Despite its prevalence in this population, there continues to be inaccuracies in delirium assessments. In the absence of accurate delirium assessments, delirium in critically ill ICU patients will remain unrecognized and will lead to negative clinical and organizational outcomes. ⋯ The results from this project suggest the effectiveness of the program in improving assessment accuracy among difficult-to-assess patients. Further research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of this model across other critical care units, patient populations, and organizations.