American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Comparative Study
Depression screening: utility of the patient health questionnaire in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Depression screening in cardiac patients has been recommended by the American Heart Association, but the best approach remains unclear. ⋯ For depression screening in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome, the Patient Health Questionnaire 2 is as accurate as longer versions when administered by nurses. Further study is needed to determine if screening with this tool changes clinical decision making or improves outcomes in these patients.
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Since its early development, the Bedside Shivering Assessment Scale (BSAS) has had only initial psychometric testing. Before this instrument is incorporated into routine practice, its interrater reliability should be explored in a diverse group of practitioners. ⋯ The BSAS has adequate interrater reliability to be considered for use among a diverse group of practitioners.
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Management of acute coronary syndromes in elderly patients is poorly defined. ⋯ Functional decline in elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes is predictive of poor outcomes.
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Studies of family caregivers of the critically ill have mainly focused on the psychological impact of the patients' stay in the intensive care unit and related stress. Despite known associations between stress and physical health, limited attention has been paid to the need to promote and maintain physical health in these caregivers. ⋯ Health risk behaviors of family caregivers are associated with greater perceptions of burden and/or depressive symptoms but not with patients' care needs before admission to the intensive care unit.
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In order to measure anxiety in physically and cognitively debilitated patients, such as patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, the use of reliable and valid instruments is recommended; however, these instruments should be short. ⋯ The 6-item version of the state subscale from the STAI-E6 shows satisfactory reliability and validity for Spanish patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation.