Critical care nursing quarterly
-
Teamwork. Often teams are established to tackle tough jobs. ⋯ How can team leaders be more effective? An excellent way to prepare for team leadership is to understand team management, leadership abilities, and characteristics of team effectiveness. This article discusses these important elements of effective teamwork.
-
Oncology patients have numerous complications that are life threatening and may require an admission into the intensive care unit (ICU). Most ICU nurses have a limited understanding of how to assess and treat this type of patient population. Three of the most common oncologic emergencies that can be seen in an ICU are malignant pleural effusion, cardiac tamponade, and superior vena cava syndrome. Each of these disease entities will be defined to introduce the ICU nurse to oncologic emergencies.
-
Newer, more intensive cancer treatments and even some standard treatments in critically ill cancer patients mandate provision of care in the intensive care unit (ICU). Traditionally, the ICU nurse has not had specialized training in the preparation or administration of chemotherapeutic agents. This article discusses educational needs and specific information related to safe handling of chemotherapy administration.
-
Hematologic emergencies in the oncology population may require an admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, hypercalcemia, tumor lysis syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulation are diseases defined in this article. These are common conditions in oncology patients that are reduced or prevented with close monitoring and accurate assessments. The purpose of this article is to introduce intensive care nurses to these disease entities so they will have a better understanding of the care involved with an oncology patient in the ICU unit.
-
For the two decades of development, intensive care units and hematology/oncology units have been separate entities, very territorial over their patient populations and precise in their expertise. The interactions between these units were minimal, and, therefore, many misconceptions have developed through the years. Some of these views have truth, and others are challengeable. ⋯ However, with new technologies and therapies being investigated, these two units are interfacing to benefit patient care. Misconceptions can lead to fragmented care of the patient; poor communication between staff, units, patients and family members; and an increased stress level. The intent of this article is to define some of the most common misconceptions between these two disciplines and increase an understanding of each discipline's contribution to the well-being of the patient.