Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Comparative Study
Comparison of train-of-four and posttetanic response as guides for endotracheal intubation in children.
To evaluate and compare the predictive values of the absence of train-of-four (TOF) or posttetanic response as guides for endotracheal intubation in children. ⋯ Good intubating conditions can generally be counted on when the TOF has disappeared; additional waiting for the disappearance of posttetanic response is unnecessary. The observation that the disappearance of the tetanus-twitch sequence is a good indicator of deep neuromuscular blockade during recovery from atracurium in children cannot be extrapolated to the induction period.
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To determine whether continuous measurement of arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) and end-tidal carbon dioxide (P(ET)CO2) can be used to wean patients safely and efficiently from postoperative mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. ⋯ Continuous monitorin of SpO2 and P(ET)CO2 can be used to wean patients safely and effectively after CABG when adjustment of minute ventilation compensates for an increased PaCO2-P(ET)CO2 gradient during controlled ventilation.
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To examine the efficacy of a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system for respiratory support in patients who have respiratory insufficiency but are able to maintain spontaneous breathing without hypercapnia, respiratory acidosis, or deteriorated mental status. ⋯ Nasal CPAP (10 cmH2O) is a reliable alternative to support arterial oxygenation in patients with respiratory failure who are alert and vigorous enough to avoid hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis while breathing spontaneously. In addition, since the patients are able to speak and thus are capable of expressing their feelings, the anxiety observed during respiratory support can be reduced.
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To evaluate the accuracy of the nasal septum site for pulse oximetry measurement of arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) in hypothermic patients. ⋯ Monitoring SpO2 at the nasal septum site is more reliable than monitoring it at the finger site in hypothermic patients.
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The Bullard laryngoscope is a rigid fiber-optic device that offers a new approach to oral laryngoscopy. In this report, I present five cases illustrative of the use of the Bullard laryngoscope in patients with demonstrated or suspected difficult laryngoscopy and intubation.