American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Clinicians are unsure if radiography is needed to confirm correct positioning of feeding tubes inserted with assistance from an electromagnetic system. ⋯ Images generated by the electromagnetic tube placement device provided inconsistent results regarding tube location. A small percentage of seriously malpositioned tubes were not detected by using the electromagnetic device. These findings do not support eliminating radiographs to confirm correct tube placement following use of an electromagnetic tube placement device.
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Multicenter Study
Standardizing Communication From Acute Care Providers to Primary Care Providers on Critically Ill Adults.
To increase the frequency of communication of patient information between acute and primary care providers. A secondary objective was to determine whether higher rates of communication were associated with lower rates of hospital readmission 30 days after discharge. ⋯ The frequency of communication episodes that provide value can be increased through standardized processes. The key aspects of this effective intervention were setting the expectation that communication should occur, documenting when communication has occurred, and reviewing that documentation during multiprofessional rounds.
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Semiquantitative cough strength score (SCSS, graded 0-5) and cough peak flow (CPF) have been used to predict extubation outcome in patients in whom extubation is planned; however, the correlation of the 2 assessments is unclear. ⋯ SCSS was convenient to measure at the bedside. It was positively correlated with CPF and had the same accuracy for predicting reintubation after planned extubation.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Use of Physical Restraints in Dutch Intensive Care Units: A Prospective Multicenter Study.
Increasing evidence indicates that harmful effects are associated with the use of physical restraint. ⋯ Physical restraint is frequently used in Dutch intensive care units. The differences in frequency between units suggest that opportunities exist to limit the use of physical restraint.