Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2016
Developing triggers for the surgical intensive care unit for palliative care integration.
Despite the growing acceptance of palliative care as a component of high-quality care for patients with serious illness, it remains underutilized in the surgical critical care setting. This article provides insight into a model for palliative care integration into the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), using triggers. ⋯ A series of triggers can help identify patients who may benefit from palliative care consultation. This approach can be used in intensive care settings to facilitate palliative care integration.
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A novel surveillance algorithm of ventilator-associated event (VAE) was introduced to overcome the subjectivity of conventional ventilator-associated pneumonia. We investigated the risk factors and prognostic values of VAE. ⋯ Patients treated with mechanical ventilation due to pulmonary edema or trauma had increased risk of VAE, with its development indicative of adverse clinical outcomes.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2016
Observational StudyPostoperative acute kidney injury in high-risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in high-risk patients undergoing major surgery and is associated with longer hospital stay, increased risk for nosocomial infection and significantly higher costs. ⋯ Mild AKI is a not rare complication in high-risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Although in almost the totality of cases, the indicators of renal function recovered to preoperative levels, post-operative AKI represents a primary risk factor for a prolonged ICU stay.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2016
Causes of moral distress in the intensive care unit: A qualitative study.
The purpose of the study is to examine the causes of moral distress in diverse members of the intensive care unit (ICU) team in both community and tertiary ICUs. ⋯ Causes of moral distress vary among ICU professional groups, but all are amenable to improvement.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2016
Acid-base disturbances in acute poisoning and their association with survival.
The purpose was to investigate the association between acid-base disturbances and mortality in acute poisoning. ⋯ On-arrival acid-base status predicts survival and can be used in prognostication of the poisoned patients.