Critical care nursing quarterly
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Economic, social, and technical factors are an impetus for expressing end-of-life decisions as advance directives. Despite opportunities, nurses do not appear to be widely involved in practice and research regarding advance directives. ⋯ The use of advance directives will likely increase if nurses can aggressively implement a plan on their unit. Specific methods of implementation are explored.
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Technology utilization in the cardiac surgical patient has proliferated, despite a lack of evidence that the technology has a positive impact on patient outcomes. Hospitals are left to their own efforts in deciding how and what technology to use. The result is an inconsistent use of technology. ⋯ Two controversial technologies, capnography and mixed venous oxygen saturation monitoring, are analyzed using this approach. It is essential for hospitals to support clinicians as they use methods in the evaluation and implementation of technology. Technology alone will not improve patient outcome or control costs.
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Latex allergy affects about 1% of the general population and between 10% and 17% of health care workers. The severity of a latex allergic reaction can range from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis and death. ⋯ In addition, knowledge and provision of emergency treatment of a Type I latex reaction is paramount. Critical care staff need to educate both the patient and the family about latex allergy, including latex allergy testing and community resources.