American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Patients in intensive care units are often sleep deprived, yet little research exists on the impact of nursing care on promoting sleep. ⋯ A concentrated effort by staff to reduce environmental stimuli at discrete preset intervals increases the likelihood of sleep during scheduled quiet time in the neurocritical care unit.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Cooling by convection vs cooling by conduction for treatment of fever in critically ill adults.
Cooling with water-flow blankets, which are difficult to manipulate and interfere with patients' care, may be ineffective in controlling fever. ⋯ In critically ill adults with an infection or a suspected infection, cooling with an airflow blanket is more effective and more preferred for cooling than is cooling with a water-flow blanket.
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Although increased myocardial salvage and reduced mortality are associated with timely thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction, some patients still experience delays in treatment. ⋯ With increased emphasis on recognition and rapid treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction at highest risk for delays in treatment, that is, women and the elderly, benefits of thrombolytic therapy might be maximized.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effect of backrest position on intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressures in traumatically brain-injured adults.
Backrest positioning for brain-injured adults is variable. Some data support using a flat backrest to optimize cerebral perfusion pressure; other data support elevating the head of the bed at least 30 degrees to reduce intracranial pressure. ⋯ The results strengthen the research foundation for raising the backrest position for adults, 18 to 45 years old, who have nonvascular, nonpenetrating, severe brain injuries.