American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Losing a loved one in the intensive care unit (ICU) is stressful for family members. Providing bereavement support to them is recommended. However, little is known about the prevalence of bereavement services implemented in adult ICUs. ⋯ The study findings provide insight into what type of bereavement evaluation methods are being used, what barriers are present that hinder use of bereavement follow-up services, and potential interventions to overcome those barriers in adult ICUs in the United States.
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Headache profoundly affects management of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage but is poorly characterized. ⋯ Headache after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage was often severe, necessitating multiple opioid and nonopioid analgesics. Many patients reported persistent headache and inadequate pain control.
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Observational Study
Functional Status and Disability in Patients After Acute Stroke: A Longitudinal Study.
Stroke is a major public health problem. ⋯ Functional status 6 months after stroke was influenced by age, sex, stroke severity, type of stroke, baseline status, mood, and social risk. Comorbid conditions, socioeconomic level, and area of residence did not affect patients' functional status.
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Although most intensive care patients are at risk for pressure ulcers, not all experience such ulcers. ⋯ Several variables within the model of pressure, oxygenation, and perfusion were significantly associated with development of pressure ulcers.
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Two young adults with severe facial injuries were receiving care in the trauma/surgical intensive care unit at a tertiary care, level I trauma center in the southeastern United States. Both patients were able to communicate by texting on their cellphones to family members, friends, and caregivers in the intensive care unit. Patients who are awake and already have experience texting with a smartphone or other electronic handheld device may be able to communicate well while receiving mechanical ventilation.