Journal of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing : official publication of The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Nov 1995
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialEvaluation of three types of support surfaces for preventing pressure ulcers in patients in a surgical intensive care unit.
Because critical care nurses recognize that many of their patients are at risk for pressure ulcer development, they provide them with support surfaces that can reduce this risk. Few reported studies, however, are available to help these nurses choose these surfaces wisely. This project was a new-product evaluation that compared the clinical effectiveness of three types of support surfaces: two dynamic mattress replacement surfaces and a static foam mattress replacement. ⋯ Although these three surfaces were comparable in effectiveness, they were not comparable in cost. Both dynamic mattress replacement surfaces cost approximately $2000 each, whereas the cost of the static foam mattress replacement was only $240 each. The results of this product evaluation should encourage other nurses to evaluate patient care products carefully before making recommendations.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Nov 1994
ReviewDiarrhea and the patient receiving enteral feedings: a multifactorial problem.
Diarrhea is often considered an inevitable consequence of enteral tube feeding. The pathogenesis of diarrhea in patients receiving enteral feeding is not well understood, but it has been attributed to hypoalbuminemia, bacterial contamination of formula, characteristics of enteral feeding formula, and concomitant drug therapy. The purpose of this article is to review research regarding the etiology and treatment of diarrhea in patients receiving enteral feeding and to identify implications for nursing practice and future research.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Nov 1994
Risk factors for and prevalence of pressure ulcers among hospitalized patients.
A pressure ulcer prevalence study was conducted at a large, university-based hospital in the Midwest to establish a baseline of information for the evaluation of equipment and the interventions used for pressure ulcer prevention. Presence and stage of pressure ulcers, demographic data, attending service, type of mattress surface, and patient classification scores were recorded. The Braden Scale was used to measure the patients' risk for the development of pressure ulcers. ⋯ Further evaluation of the availability and use of pressure-reduction and pressure-relief devices is indicated. Other preventive practices also require closer consideration, particularly those used with cardiovascular patients. The relationship between risk for development of pressure ulcers and acuity level is an interesting finding that deserves further investigation.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Mar 1994
Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of constipation in childhood.
The evaluation of chronic constipation with or without fecal soiling in children must begin with a careful history and physical examination. Constipation and fecal soiling is caused in fewer than 10% of patients by anatomic, neurologic, endocrine, or metabolic conditions. No specific organic cause can be found in more than 90% of affected children, but anorectal functions--such as rectal sensation, rectal contractility, and relaxation of the external anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles during straining for defecation--are impaired. Most patients will benefit from a program designed to clear fecal impaction with enemas, prevent fecal impaction with enemas, prevent fecal impaction with laxatives, and promote regular bowel habits with scheduled toilet sittings.