American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Cross-sectional studies suggest that patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have adverse health outcomes and high risk for mental health problems after discharge. ⋯ Physical health was more severely impaired than was mental health, and both types improved over time. The EuroQol-5-Dimensions-5-Levels instrument was useful for detecting neurological problems of the lower extremities early and may qualify as a core outcome measure for patients treated with ECMO.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Safety and Acceptability of Patient-Administered Sedatives During Mechanical Ventilation.
Safety and acceptability of sedative self-administration by patients receiving mechanical ventilation is unknown. ⋯ For select patients, self-administration of dexmedetomidine is safe and acceptable.
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The oral mucosa is an important defense barrier to penetration of microorganisms. Thus, changes in the oral epithelium might indicate risk for infection in intensive care patients receiving mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Liquid-base exfoliative cytology can be used to detect preclinical alterations in the oral mucosa. Patients treated with mechanical ventilation are vulnerable to infections, and oral care may be valuable in their prognosis.