Dimensions of critical care nursing : DCCN
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · May 1995
ReviewIntravenous patient-controlled analgesia in critically ill postoperative/trauma patients: research-based practice recommendations.
PCA use is increasingly common in the Intensive Care Unit. The authors review current PCA research and make recommendations for the optimal use of PCA in the critically ill patient.
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Relaxation and music therapy have shown promise as anxiety-reducing interventions for patients in critical care settings. The challenge for nurses is to incorporate these modalities of care into effective clinical strategies. This article describes one method of introducing relaxation therapy to the anxious patient within the context of the Dungan Model of Dynamic Integration.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Mar 1995
Case ReportsAn algorithm to distinguish the need for sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic agents.
This article discusses the use of an algorithm developed by nurses at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic in Minneapolis, that can be used to distinguish the need for sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic agents for patients in the medical intensive care unit (MICU). Many problems associated with patient sedation and analgesia exist within the critical care environment. These problems include undersedating patients with neuromuscular blockade; rapidly tapering or abruptly discontinuing high-dosage sedation, which often results in withdrawal symptoms; over-use of high-dosage continuous intravenous infusions of short-acting benzodiazepines and analgesics; failure to recognize delirium; and resistance to modifying drug regimens when patient outcomes are not satisfactory.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Jan 1995
ReviewRefining chest tube management: analysis of the state of practice.
Critical care nurses routinely care for patients who require chest tube management. To obtain the best patient outcome, critical care nurses develop standards of practice from research derived recommendations. Although there are several studies recommending chest tube management practices, there is limited research in some areas of chest tube management. The authors analyze the body of research and recommend clinical practice changes and timely research projects on chest tube management.
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Dimens Crit Care Nurs · Nov 1994
Case ReportsPreventing complications in double-lumen endotracheal tubes with independent lung ventilation.
The double lumen endotracheal tube is a familiar device that has recently acquired a new application. This article describes how double-lumen endotracheal tubes are used for independent lung ventilation in the treatment of unilateral lung disease, and how the critical care nurse can prevent complications during their use.