Critical care nursing clinics of North America
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This article features the Coronary Care Unit of The Methodist Hospital of Houston, Texas. This unit was one of the first Beacon Critical Care Units recognized by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. This article focuses on how to achieve this award. The Coronary Care Unit nursing infrastructure is described, and specific unit examples are included.
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Jun 2005
Transport of the critically ill: the Northwest MedStar experience.
This article provides a description of Northwest MedStar, a fully integrated, self-sustained critical care transport program that provides transport services to over 70 hospitals and 350 emergency medical service agencies in the inland Northwest region of the United States. By providing transport and educational support to these agencies, Northwest MedStar assists in providing optimal emergency and critical care services for the patients in their communities.
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Mar 2005
Review Case ReportsFamily presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A recent phenomenon in emergency and critical care settings is the presence of family members during resuscitation events. It remains controversial in most institutions, but evidence is increasing that the experience has positive benefits for family members. ⋯ Three case studies are presented to illustrate typical events, including the potential role of the hospital chaplain. Recommendations for implementation are included.
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Mar 2005
ReviewRecommendations of the international guidelines 2000 conference on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiac care: an overview.
The greatest potential for survival of sudden cardiac arrest can be achieved only by providing early intervention using evidence-based therapies that have been studied over time. Emergency cardiac care and the 2000 advanced cardiac life support guidelines encompass all therapies that have been shown to improve outcomes in patients who experience life-threatening events that involve the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and pulmonary systems. Early recognition of warning signs, activation of emergency medical systems within the community, basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, early defibrillation, airway management, and intravenous medication administration are key factors in improving resuscitation outcomes.
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Mar 2005
ReviewUpdate on pediatric advanced life support guidelines.
Accidents are a leading cause of death for children in several nations. Motor vehicle accidents are among the most common causes of cardiac arrest. Other causes include drowning, burns, gunshot wounds, poisoning, smoke inhalation, and airway obstruction caused by asphyxiation from foreign bodies. ⋯ To prevent loss and improve quality of life, it is imperative to initiate measures to improve oxygenation and treat cardiac dysfunction. Guidelines for the management of life-threatening emergencies in infants and children are internationally similar but not identical. The Australian Resuscitation Council, the American Heart Association, and the European Resuscitation Council current guidelines all have some basic essential techniques for management of pediatric emergencies.