Dimensions of critical care nursing : DCCN
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Nov 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyContinuous lateral rotation therapy for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: the effect of timing.
Previous studies have indicated a positive impact of continuous lateral rotational therapy on nosocomial pneumonia, but have shown mixed results in decreasing length of stay or ventilator days. The objective of the study was to determine if the use of a continuous lateral rotational therapy protocol would decrease mortality and morbidity, mean ventilator days, and/or intensive care unit and hospital length of stay in patients with a pulmonary diagnosis. ⋯ Early initiation of continuous lateral rotational therapy resulted in significant decreases in ventilator days and intensive care unit length of stay. The therapeutic benefit of continuous lateral rotational therapy may be enhanced with early identification and treatment of appropriate patients.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Sep 2009
Using research to determine support for a policy on family presence during resuscitation.
National guidelines and professional organizations have recommended allowing family presence during resuscitation and bedside invasive procedures. Studies found that only 5% of critical care units have written policies. Periodic requests by family members prompted the creation of a task force, including nurses, physicians, and respiratory therapists, to develop this controversial policy. ⋯ This descriptive and correlational study showed support for family presence by critical care and emergency department nurses. Findings revealed both support and non-support for families to be present during resuscitative efforts. Providing family presence as an option offers an opportunity for reluctant healthcare team members to refuse their presence and an opportunity for those who support family presence to welcome the family.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Sep 2009
ReviewPrevention of sternal wound infections after coronary artery bypass graft surgery with use of insulin drug therapy: a review of the literature.
Diabetes is a disease that can increase the risks of developing cardiac problems, which can include coronary artery bypass graft surgery. These patients are at an increased risk of developing serious complications after this surgery, including deep sternal wound infections. ⋯ Therefore, it is essential to monitor and maintain glucose levels after open heart surgery. This literature review discusses some of the studies in this area.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Sep 2009
The "big picture": communicating with families about end-of-life care in intensive care unit.
This article presents the findings of a qualitative study investigating how critical care nurses include families in end-of-life care. The major theme, "Supporting the Families' Journey Through the Dying Process," illustrates how critical care nurses organize information to construct the "big picture" of the patients' deteriorating status and artfully communicate this to families.