Critical care nursing clinics of North America
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Mar 2005
ReviewThe role of thermoregulation in cardiac resuscitation.
Regulating a patient's body temperature has long been within the scope of practice of the critical care nurse. Different measures and modalities have been used to achieve normothermia in the past. Recent research has demonstrated how crucial body temperature can be, not only because of its potential for neuroprotection but also because of its effects on all body systems. The general consensus of current literature is that maintaining mild hypothermia at 32 degrees to 34 degrees C (89.6 degrees-93.2 degrees F) for 12 to 24 hours after cardiac arrest may provide optimal neuroprotection with minimal complications for patients.
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Mar 2005
ReviewClinical trials update: sudden cardiac death prevention by implantable device therapy.
Sudden cardiac death represents an enormous public health problem in all developed countries of the world. In the United States, sudden cardiac death occurs in more than 400,000 people each year and is the leading cause of death. ⋯ Individuals deemed high risk for sudden cardiac death may be treated with implantable defibrillators. This article highlights evidence from randomized, controlled trials of implantable device therapy used in prevention of sudden cardiac death.
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Mar 2005
ReviewUsing simulation to teach resuscitation: an important patient safety tool.
Learning resuscitation scenarios using high-fidelity simulation can have a positive impact on real-life learning for health care professionals. Simulation sessions encourage knowledge acquisition and critical thinking for nursing students, experienced nurses, nurse anesthetists, physicians, and respiratory therapists. A novice to expert theoretical perspective can be accomplished without anxiety over scenario outcome. Results of educational endeavors support simulation use, but continued research is needed to substantiate learner outcome and technologic value.
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Mar 2005
ReviewUse of vasopressors in the treatment of cardiac arrest.
Intervention for cardiac arrest may require intervention for electrical abnormalities or hemodynamic instability. These actions can result in ineffective cardiac functioning and systemic hypotension. Vasopressors are capable of improving severe hypotension that can result from reduced cardiovascular contractility or heart rate. These vasopressor actions are critical to successful resuscitation efforts for patients.
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Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Mar 2005
ReviewMedication safety issues in the emergency department.
Medications used in emergency medicine are often "high alert" medications that have to be handled with deliberation. These medications, used every day in the emergency department, are associated with numerous errors. ⋯ This makes it important for emergency department nurses and health care professionals to develop and implement mechanisms for preventing error. Safety data has shown that these "high alert" medications must be handled appropriately.