Critical care nursing quarterly
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This article reviews the need for planning and implementation of an organized emergency response to stroke as a secondary diagnosis. Patients who are admitted to hospitals with a diagnosis other than stroke and experience stroke symptoms warrant immediate identification and rapid intervention. ⋯ Modeled after the response for Code Blue, this team quickly assesses, obtains further diagnostic studies, and provides appropriate intervention to patients who experience stroke symptoms while being hospitalized for some other diagnosis or problem. This emergency team response provides the ingredients for improved patient outcomes and promotes quality patient care.
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Creating an environment of compassion where patients feel that their emotional and spiritual needs are met is at the heart of holistic care. Patient satisfaction surveys address this powerful aspect of care and nurses find themselves in the position of making an impact. The nurse is at the bedside when crisis occurs, both physical and spiritual. ⋯ Conscious or unconscious, the patient needs human touch and consolation, which transcends technology. Indifference to this is all but negligence on the part of the nurse. Addressing this through careful care planning and joining the "fellowship of pain" brings the nurse into the healing process. "Burnout" decreases as care increases, and nurses experience the healing process themselves as well.
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Delirium has been recognized in the literature as a significant problem in the care and treatment of the critical care patient. Delirium, a medical disorder that results in the morbidity and mortality of the patients, especially in the elderly, is often misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated. Nurses and other health care professionals need in-depth education about delirium, validated and understandable assessment tools, and astute clinical observational skills. A comprehensive and aggressive clinical management plan that incorporates appropriate pharmacological agents will result in less morbidity and improved long-term outcomes.
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Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex, common, and problematic condition that interferes with healing and recovery. It leads to higher morbidity and mortality and extended hospital stays. ⋯ Delirium is often unrecognized and misdiagnosed, which leads to mistreatment or lack of appropriate treatment. This article discusses the definition of delirium, pathogenesis, clinical practice guidelines, newer assessment tools for ICU, and nursing interventions directed toward prevention and early identification of delirium.