American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Information about the severity of symptoms during recovery from surgery for lung cancer can be useful in planning and anticipating needs for recovery. ⋯ Severe symptoms continued 4 months after surgery for some patients, indicating the need for support during recovery, especially for patients with multiple comorbid conditions and depressed mood.
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Unplanned extubation commonly occurs in intensive care units. Various physical restraints have been used to prevent patients from removing their endotracheal tubes. However, physical restraint not only does not consistently prevent injury but also may be a safety hazard to patients. ⋯ An impaired level of consciousness on admission to the intensive care unit and the presence of nosocomial infection intensify the risk for unplanned extubation, even when physical restraints are used. To minimize the risk of unplanned extubation, nurses must establish better standards for using restraints.
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is often performed in compromised conditions and for long periods. ⋯ Administering chest compressions while standing demands more power but consumes less oxygen than doing so while kneeling, perhaps because fewer cardiac compressions delivered while standing are effective.
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Cuff management varies widely in Europe and North America. Little is known about current practice in Australia and New Zealand. ⋯ Cuff pressure measurement was the preferred method, used exclusively or in combination with other methods. The minimal occlusive volume technique was used more often after intubation than for ongoing management.