Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · Sep 1998
ReviewThe role of the paediatric cardiothoracic nurse specialist in the sedation of critically ill children.
The role of the paediatric cardiothoracic nurse specialist is explored in relation to the sedation of critically ill children. Assessment assists the nurse in selecting the most suitable drug, dose and method of administration. Issues surrounding the administration of Midazolam and morphine are considered. Further research on sedation scoring methods for use with children is recommended.
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Endotracheal suction is one of the most common procedures carried out in an intensive care unit. Review of the evidence reveals that both manual hyperinflation and the instillation of saline are not effective and are potentially harmful. The frequency of suctioning, catheter-size, suction pressure and open versus closed systems are discussed. Recommendations for practice are outlined.
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Nursing in critical care · Sep 1998
Assessment of individual quality of life in survivors of intensive care.
Quality of life is a dynamic, multi-dimensional concept, the essence of which is its individuality. In this study quality of life six to 12 months after intensive care was not significantly lower than quality of life prior to intensive care, assessed retrospectively. Family, leisure activities and people were seen as more important than health as a main determinant of quality of life after intensive care. Quality of life assessment after intensive care should combine generic measures of health status and individual measures.