Dimensions of critical care nursing : DCCN
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This article, the first in the new DCCN department for acute-care nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and advanced practice nurses, focuses on the pharmacodynamics of propofol. The advanced practice nurse working in the ICU is likely to institute propofol protocols, teach staff about the drug, and collaborate with the bedside nurse on the patient's outcome to this treatment.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · May 1996
Comparative StudyCharacteristics related to DNR orders for pediatric ICU patients.
Although technology exists to sustain vital functions of almost any patient, not every pulse-less patient is a candidate for resuscitation. Criteria needs to be developed to guide health care professionals in identifying DNR situations and teaching families about DNR options. The first step is to identify characteristics that are related to current DNR selection, so prescriptive criteria can be developed to aid in DNR decisions in the future. This article presents a descriptive study of characteristics associated with DNR statistics for pediatric ICU patients.
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Weaning patients from mechanical ventilatory support continues to be a major challenge in critical care units. This article discusses recent research in the area of weaning and identifies specific parameters related to successful weaning in clinical practice.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Jan 1996
Case ReportsManaging terminal dyspnea: caring for the patient who refuses intubation or ventilation.
Dyspnea in a dying patient is one of the most distressing symptoms challenging a critical care nurse. A humane response to terminal dyspnea, which may result when the patient chooses to forego life-sustaining intubation and ventilation, is expected by the patient. The author presents strategies for reducing the distress of dyspnea for patients who are dying when intubation and ventilation are being withheld.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Jan 1996
Case ReportsParental participation in treatment decisions for pediatric oncology ICU patients.
Ethical dilemmas involving treatment decisions are increasing in frequency as medical technology continues to provide the ability to prolong life. When the dilemmas involve treatment decisions for children, the added dimension of parental participation makes the issue even more complex. The author describes a pilot study showing the extent of documentation of parents' participation in treatment decisions for pediatric oncology ICU patients.