Heart & lung : the journal of critical care
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Previous studies have emphasized the importance of coping in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In other medical conditions, inadequate coping is associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Therefore, the types of coping strategies that patients use may also influence the distress that accompanies an acute exacerbation of COPD. ⋯ Timely identification and use of problem-solving coping strategies may help reduce the psychological distress experienced during acute hospitalizations for COPD.
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Bronchiectasis is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 30% to 50% of patients. This study evaluated whether association with bronchiectasis has any influence on morbidity and mortality in patients with COPD during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay. ⋯ These results suggest that the coexistence of bronchiectasis in patients with COPD may increase the duration of ICU stay and hospitalization but does not influence the mortality.
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The objective of this study was to investigate body weight change in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery and to assess the accuracy of conventional recorded fluid balance charting methods to reflect this change in body weight. ⋯ Body weight in patients who undergo cardiac surgery was found to fluctuate over the perioperative period. Use of recorded fluid balance to reflect change in body weight for patients undergoing cardiac surgery was deemed unreliable. Further investigation of body weight change and scrutiny of conventional recorded fluid balance charting methods for patients who undergo cardiac surgery is needed.