The Journal of cardiovascular nursing
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Hemodynamic instability during weaning from mechanical ventilation is one proposed cause of weaning failure. This study evaluated cardiac power output (CPO) as an indicator of significant hemodynamic alteration and cardiac reserve during the transition from controlled mechanical ventilation to spontaneous ventilation using three clinical weaning modes. ⋯ The data suggest that CPO is a sensitive indicator of significant hemodynamic alteration and could be used to optimize cardiovascular function during weaning from mechanical ventilation to increase the likelihood of weaning success. Key words: cardiac output, cardiac power output, hemodynamic monitoring, mechanical ventilation
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The dependence of cardiac output measurement precision on ambient temperature and cardiac output stability was assessed by concurrent continuous and bolus thermodilution methods in postoperative cardiac surgery patients. The degree of agreement between the two methods was depended on room temperature (0.1 L/min for each degree below 25 degrees C). The agreement was also closer in trials where cardiac output was stable (< 10% variation). The continuous thermodilution method shows sufficient agreement with the bolus method for use in critical care; however, improved precision of cardiac output thermodilution measurements can be achieved by use of correction factors for cardiac instability and for ambient temperature.
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The role of excitotoxins in the ischemic cascade that results in ischemic neuronal death has been clearly defined and has brought about attempts to halt the progression of neurologic damage. Improved understanding of this process has allowed for the development of interventions to optimize neurologic outcome following periods of ischemia. Deep hypothermia (15-22 degrees C) has long been recognized as one method of achieving neuroprotection, but is not without serious implications and risks to the patient. ⋯ It has been safely used intraoperatively in a large series of patients undergoing craniotomy. Mild hypothermia is a technique that may soon be commonly employed alone or in conjunction with other methods of neuroprotection. Nurses caring for patients undergoing this technique must be aware of the practice implications associated with this procedure and adapt their care accordingly.
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Delirium, an etiologically nonspecific disorder of consciousness characterized by prominent deficits in attention, cognition, and perception, affects more than one-third of adult cardiac surgical patients. Despite the frequency of occurrence and the increased morbidity and mortality associated with it, the diagnosis is commonly late or missed, and management is less than optimal. This article addresses the recognition and management of delirium. Nurses who develop an index of suspicion for the diagnosis and acquire the diagnostic and interventional skills required to address this cerebral complication of cardiac surgery may well decrease its incidence and severity.