American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
-
To evaluate the use of end-tidal carbon dioxide values in predicting survival in cardiopulmonary arrest. ⋯ Measurements of end-tidal carbon dioxide can be used to accurately predict nonsurvival of patients with cardiopulmonary arrest. End-tidal carbon dioxide levels should be monitored during cardiopulmonary arrest and should be considered a useful prognostic value for determining the outcome of resuscitative efforts.
-
Comparative Study
Comparison of the lower inflection point on the static total respiratory compliance curve with outcomes in postoperative cardiothoracic patients.
Routine use of positive end-expiratory pressure (based on the pressure at the lower inflection point on the static total respiratory compliance curve) along with a maneuver to recruit atelectatic lung has been advocated after cardiothoracic surgery. ⋯ In patients with short intubation times and predictable postoperative course, general use of a lung recruitment strategy involving sustained inflations and adjustment of positive end-expiratory pressure based on the lower inflection point is difficult to justify.
-
Nurse-to-patient ratios in the intensive care unit are associated with postoperative mortality, morbidity, and costs after some high-risk surgery. ⋯ Fewer nurses at night is associated with increased risk for specific postoperative pulmonary complications and with increased resource use in patients undergoing hepatectomy.