American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Oral chlorhexidine prophylaxis can decrease occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. However, the importance of timing has never been fully explored. ⋯ Early administration of oral chlorhexidine in intubated patients was not associated with a reduction in the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in a surgical intensive care unit with high rates of chlorhexidine administration before 12 hours.
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Multicenter Study
Measurement of Quality of Nursing Practice in Congenital Cardiac Care.
The impact of nursing care on patients' outcomes has been demonstrated in adult and pediatric settings. However, limited attention has been given to standardized measurement of pediatric nursing care. A collaborative group, the Consortium for Congenital Cardiac Care Measurement of Nursing Practice, was formed to address this gap. The purpose of this study was to assess the current state of measurement of the quality of pediatric cardiovascular nursing in freestanding children's hospitals across the United States. ⋯ External factors and response to internal processes of health care delivery were similar in different programs; evaluation was more varied. Seven opportunities for measurement that address both structure and process of nursing care were identified to be developed as benchmarks.
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Postoperative cardiovascular surgical site infections are preventable events that may lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. ⋯ Institution of the surveillance process has resulted in improved identification of suspected surgical site infections via direct rather than indirect measures, accurate identification of all surgical site infections based on definitions of the National Healthcare Safety Network, collaboration with all persons involved, and enhanced communication with patients' family members and referring physicians.
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The first confirmed US case of severe respiratory tract infection caused by enterovirus D68 in an adult occurred in a pregnant woman with no history of asthma in August 2014. Before she came to the hospital, she had a productive cough, headache, and increasing dyspnea. ⋯ She eventually had an uneventful vaginal delivery, was discharged without oxygen supplementation, and has resumed normal activities. This case suggests that pregnant women may be a sentinel group infected with this pathogen, similar to what has been described for influenza virus infection.