Enfermería intensiva
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This study of the safety of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation was undertaken to ensure correct ventilation and to find quality-control elements for patients and nursing staff. Differences in mode programming and ventilation parameters and their registry at the change of nursing shifts, and correct programming of the sensitivity and minimum minute volume alarms and maximum airway pressure alarms were examined. In a two-month period, 8 cross-sectional studies were made of G1 prevalence in each of three nursing shifts. ⋯ Two hundred forty-eight G1 and 250 G2 recordings were made. The G2 studies revealed a generalized reduction in errors for all parameters. We concluded that the corrective measures were effective so these indicators were included in the monitoring of risk areas in the unit quality control program.
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Enfermería intensiva · Oct 1996
[Informing the families of patients admitted to an intensive care unit].
The admission of a patient to the intensive care unit (ICU) disturbs the family's normal function. Family members are confronted by a new and difficult situation and react with worry and anxiety. They have different needs, particularly for information and assurance. ⋯ The conditions affecting human communication were analyzed, with emphasis on the situations typical of the hospital environment that negatively influence communication. A bibliographic review was made of useful strategies for improving communication with families. To conclude, recommendations are made for facilitating communication, improving the family's well-being, and easing their adjustment to the disease process.