American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Unplanned admissions of patients to intensive care units from medical-surgical units often result from failure to recognize clinical deterioration. The early warning score is a clinical decision support tool for nurse surveillance but must be communicated to nurses and implemented appropriately. A communication process including collaboration with experienced intensive care unit nurses may reduce unplanned transfers. ⋯ Electronic surveillance and collaboration with experienced intensive care unit nurses may improve care, control costs, and save lives. Critical care nurses have a role in coaching and guiding less experienced nurses.
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Early red blood cell transfusions are a common treatment for adults hospitalized for sepsis without shock. However, their utility and association with mortality and costs have not been well studied. ⋯ Early transfusion rates during hospitalization for sepsis without shock varied widely across the hospitals. Transfusion rates were associated with increased costs but not with mortality rates.