Critical care nursing quarterly
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Review Comparative Study
Prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in critically ill patients.
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism remain common problems in the intensive care unit, with limb- and life-threatening complications that are potentially preventable. The intensive care unit clinician is called on to be vigilant with diagnosis and facile with prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disease (venous thromboembolism). This article reviews background, current options, and recommendations regarding the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the intensive care unit population.
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Deadly Dozen ... Lethal Six ... Hidden Six ... ⋯ Each of these may present as immediately life-threatening or potentially life-threatening events. This article provides an overview of these 12 injuries and appropriate management for each. Case studies are included.
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Resuscitation of major trauma victims suffering from shock remains a challenge for trauma systems and trauma centers. Rapid identification, and ensuring correct, aggressive treatment, are necessary for patient survival. ⋯ The critical care nurse plays an important role as part of the team involved in the resuscitation and ongoing care of these patients. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology, recognizing signs and symptoms, and being prepared to effectively respond will further enable the nurse to contribute to positive patient outcomes.
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Orthopedic trauma is frequently encountered by critical care nurses as trauma team members providing care to the severely injured. Through actual case examples, the role of the critical care nurse and orthopedic trauma management is reviewed. Focus is on unstable pelvic fractures, extremity fractures, compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, mangled extremities, gunshot-wound fractures, and damage-control orthopedics.
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This article is an overview of abdominal trauma relating to both penetrating and blunt mechanisms of injury. The incidence of abdominal injuries is discussed. Illustrated through case studies are interventions and treatment applicable to nursing practice. ⋯ Anatomy and physiology of the different organ systems, as well as complications, is briefly overviewed. Differences between solid and hollow organs are reviewed. Pearls and pitfalls that impact nursing practice are presented for specific injuries.