American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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To describe the relationships among sedation, stability in physiological status, and comfort during a 24-hour period in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Level of sedation most likely does not affect the stability of physiological status but does have an effect on comfort.
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Intravascular devices provide essential vascular access for management of critically ill patients but can be associated with bloodstream infections. ⋯ Colonization of intravascular devices was heaviest on proximal segments.
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The incidence of venous thromboembolism in children has increased dramatically, with most cases occurring in children with cancer, surgery, trauma, congenital heart disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Early assessment of risk factors present in children would minimize morbidity and mortality from these events. ⋯ Descriptive statistics show that the assessment tool displays strong reliability and validity. Results validated a significant relationship between the risk score and the incidence of venous thromboembolism. Findings suggest that use of the assessment tool could significantly reduce adverse outcomes associated with venous thromboembolism in children.
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Sociodemographic variables that are predictors of rehospitalization for heart failure may better inform hospital discharge strategies. ⋯ The absence of a partner was predictive of readmission in all patients. Older patients with heart failure who were discharged to a skilled nursing facility had lower readmission rates. The effect of partner and disposition status may suggest a proxy for social support. Strategies to provide social support during discharge planning may have an effect on hospital readmission rates.