American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Comparative Study
Care activities and outcomes of patients cared for by acute care nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and resident physicians: a comparison.
Little information is available on the practice of acute care nurse practitioners and physician assistants in acute care settings. ⋯ The tasks and activities performed by acute care nurse practitioners and physician assistants are similar to those performed by resident physicians. However, residents treat patients who are sicker and older than those treated by acute care nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Patients' outcomes are similar for both groups of subjects.
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Instillation of normal saline before suctioning is a common nursing intervention although little research supports the practice. ⋯ The results of the survey helped determine target areas for educational programs for nurses and respiratory therapists. A protocol is being developed for use by all who do suctioning.
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Intrahospital transportation of critically ill patients can contribute to patients' morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Use of a specially trained ICU transport team can substantially reduce the rate of adverse outcomes generated by the transportation of critically ill patients for specialized radiological procedures.
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Long-term use of an intra-aortic balloon pump is often necessary for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction who are awaiting cardiac transplantation. Complications caused by prolonged bed rest and immobility can occur when the traditional femoral approach is used for insertion of the balloon catheter. ⋯ This approach is now being used to prevent the complications of immobility in patients awaiting cardiac transplantation. In this article, the special considerations, potential complications, and nursing interventions unique to the iliac artery approach are delineated.
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Dyspnea, a devastating sign, is rarely monitored by clinicians. One reason may be the lack of a valid measurement scale that is easy to use in a clinical setting. ⋯ Present and usual dyspnea are different constructs. The numeric rating scale is a valid measure of present dyspnea.