Heart & lung : the journal of critical care
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In this time series design study we investigated the effects of conversation on intracranial pressure (ICP). Two conversation types were used, and continuous measurements of ICP were recorded. Type 1 conversation was an emotionally referenced conversation that reflected an actual nursing report on the patient's current condition. ⋯ There was, however, a statistically significant decrease in ICP when minimum ICP measurements before type 2 conversations were compared with measurements recorded during type 2 conversation. The data also demonstrated a wide variation of individual patient responses. The results of the current study suggest that the direction of influence from conversation on the ICP is individual and may be influenced greatly by the patient's level of consciousness.
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This within-subject study compared the effects of hyperinflations with 20% above maintenance oxygen (O2) level and 100% O2 hyperinflations before and after endotracheal suction in 11 acutely ill patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Four hyperinflations were delivered at 1.5 times the calculated tidal volume (10 ml/kg) with 100% O2 or 20% above maintenance O2 level via resuscitator bag, followed by 10 seconds of continuous endotracheal suctioning. This sequence was repeated three times. ⋯ There was no change in heart rhythm for any of the subjects. The results of this study suggest that hyperinflation with 20% above maintenance O2 level can be used for oxygenation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease before and after endotracheal suctioning. Replication is needed before clinical implementation.