American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Excessive electrocardiographic alarms contribute to "alarm fatigue," which can lead to patient harm. In a prior study, one-third of audible electrocardiographic alarms were for accelerated ventricular rhythm (AVR), and most of these alarms were false. It is uncertain whether true AVR alarms are clinically relevant. ⋯ True AVR alarms may contribute to alarm fatigue. Hospitals should reevaluate the need for close monitoring of AVR and consider configuring this alarm to an inaudible message setting to reduce the risk of patient harm due to alarm fatigue. Prospective studies involving larger patient samples and varied monitors are warranted.
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The unplanned removal of medical devices poses a risk of harm to critically ill patients. ⋯ Unplanned device removal may cause patient harm and is often preventable. The causes and consequences depend on the type of device removed.
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Editorial Historical Article
AACN's 50th Anniversary: Building on Our Past to Ensure a Bright Future.