Heart & lung : the journal of critical care
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Transient bacteremia occurs in healthy populations from toothbrushing. With the high incidence of bacteremia in the intensive care unit and toothbrushing as an oral care method, this study examined the incidence and clinical significance of transient bacteremia from toothbrushing in mechanically ventilated adults. ⋯ The toothbrushing intervention did not induce transient bacteremia in this patient population.
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We sought to determine the predictive value of the PaO₂:FiO₂ ratio (PFR), both independently and in combination with the standard Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI), for successful extubations in patients with primary hypoxemic respiratory failure (HRF). ⋯ Neither the PFR independently nor the PFR in combination with the RSBI in a classification and regression tree model accurately predicted successful extubation in patients with HRF.
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Clinical Trial
Wash and wean: bathing patients undergoing weaning trials during prolonged mechanical ventilation.
Bathing is a fundamental nursing care activity performed for or with the self-assistance of critically ill patients. Few studies address caregiver or patient-family perspectives about bathing activity during weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV). ⋯ Bathing is a central care activity for patients on PMV and a component of daily work processes in the intensive care unit. Bathing requires assessment of patient condition and activity tolerance and nurse-respiratory therapist negotiation and accommodation with respect to the initiation or continuation of PMV weaning trials during bathing. Further study is needed to validate the impact (or lack of impact) of various timing strategies for bathing patients who are on PMV.
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Few standardized tools measure pain in nonverbal patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Evidence exists that patient behaviors provide important information about pain in those unable to report their pain. ⋯ The NPAT was found to possess moderately strong validity and strong internal and interrater reliability. It is easy to use, and provides a standard approach to assessing pain in the nonverbal adult patient.