Heart & lung : the journal of critical care
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The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the nurse with families of critically ill patients as perceived by family members and whether meeting family expectations impact family satisfaction. ⋯ Nurses did well with regard to meeting family members' expectations. Variations in expectations among family members reflect their diversity and highlight the importance of assessing family needs on a case-by-case basis.
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Inserting an intravenous catheter (IV) is one of the most frequently performed invasive procedures by nurses. Little research has been conducted on ways to reduce the difficulty and failure, and enhance the ease and success, of IV insertion. We conducted this study to determine variables associated with IV insertion difficulty, failure, and success, and to learn special techniques nurses use to facilitate IV insertion. ⋯ Approximately one fourth of the 339 IV insertions in this study were unsuccessful. Repeated insertion attempts are painful and costly. This study identified nurse, patient, and IV variables associated with IV insertion success and failure. Future research is needed to confirm and expand these findings and to develop interventions to improve IV insertion skills and outcomes.