Enfermería intensiva
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Enfermería intensiva · Jul 2004
Comparative Study[Assessment of practice competence and scientific knowledge of ICU nurses in the tracheal suctioning].
Tracheal suctioning is essential to maintain permeability of the artificial airway. This procedure may be associated to risks for the patients. Thus, it is very important to know if the nurses perform it correctly and if the practice is based on scientific evidence. ⋯ When the total scores obtained were compared, both in practice and knowledge, with the years of experience in ICU, no statistically significant differences were found. It is concluded that the study nurses have scientific knowledge of the suctioning procedure that are better than their practice competence. Discrepancies between practice and knowledge were also found in several of the aspects evaluated, which orients towards the specific needs of training in this procedure.
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Enfermería intensiva · Jul 2004
[Pressure sores secondary to immobilization with cervical collar: a complication of acute cervical injury].
Cervical collars are essential in the treatment of patients with suspicion or verification of acute cervical spine injury (ACSI). One of the complications of these devices is the development of pressure scores (PS). This study aims to determine its incidence in our unit, the characteristics of patients with ACSI who suffer PS due to the collar and to describe aspects related with these injuries. ⋯ We conclude that a high index of suspicion of PS due to collar in patients with ACSI, elevated ISS, monitoring of ICP, mechanical ventilation and prolonged stays is required. The occipital zone requires special attention due to the seriousness of the injuries recorded. We suggest a specific multidisciplinary protocol for this problem.