Critical care nursing clinics of North America
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Dec 1994
Case ReportsManagement of a self-immolation victim: a nursing challenge in burn care.
This article presents a case study of a 19-year-old man who was a self-inflicted immolation victim. The medical and psychologic issues that developed, and the nursing interventions that were used are also described. Additional issues explored include the effects the patient had on the burn team and the unique action plan developed by the team.
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Dec 1994
ReviewMagnesium: homeostasis, imbalances, and therapeutic uses.
Magnesium plays a critical role in numerous metabolic functions, including all reactions involving adenosine triphosphate, and is thus essential for the production and use of energy. Magnesium imbalances are common in hospitalized patients, with magnesium deficiency occurring in 20% to 65% of critically ill patients. This article details the homeostatic mechanisms regulating magnesium, the functions of magnesium, and the causes, manifestations, and treatment of both hyper- and hypomagnesemia. Indications and guidelines for the therapeutic uses of magnesium are also reviewed.
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Dec 1994
ReviewFrom diabetic ketoacidosis to hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome: the spectrum of uncontrolled hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus.
Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome are two examples of uncontrolled hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus that may prove life threatening. Both disorders result from a breakdown in glucose homeostasis caused by a relative or absolute insulin deficiency. This article compares and contrasts these two disorders with regard to pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management.
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Dec 1994
Case ReportsThe art and science of caring for ventilator-assisted patients: learning from our clinical practice.
This case study describes the causes of respiratory failure, modes of ventilation, durable power of attorney, dyspnea, sedation, and chemical paralysis. Such issues as nursing interventions to care for ventilated patients, weaning from mechanical ventilation, ethical principles, and terminal weaning are also explored.