The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
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This study was undertaken to evaluate whether significant alterations in serum osmolality, [Na+], and [K+] occur after the repeated dosing of mannitol and whether these imbalances increased accordingly with the progress of mannitol application. This study was conducted by performing a retrospective medical record review of brain injury patients who were admitted to the neurological intensive care units of a university hospital located in Incheon, South Korea. Data on intracranial pressure and serum [Na+], [K+], and osmolality levels were collected from the first to the seventh day of mannitol administration. ⋯ Our findings appear to provide clear evidence of electrolyte imbalances after repeated mannitol administration. Accordingly, careful monitoring of electrolyte status is essential when repeated doses of mannitol are given. We recommend that the practice of administering repeated dose of mannitol for prophylactic purposes be reevaluated.
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The primary mission of any intensive care unit (ICU) is to provide critically ill patients with high-quality care and an atmosphere in which to recuperate. However, all too often, the intensive environment, which is often busy, chaotic, and noisy, may contribute to just the opposite. Patients overstimulated with noise, lights, and other distractions often suffer from sleep deprivation. ⋯ Patients' sleep behavior was recorded every half hour, beginning 1/2 hour before quiet time until 30 minutes after. Analysis of data, adjusted for multiple testing and repeated measures on patients, demonstrated significantly lower noise and light levels during day shift quiet time. In addition, patients were significantly more likely to be observed sleeping during day shift quiet time hours.