Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · Jan 1999
ReviewChildren in intensive care: physiological considerations.
The needs of critically ill children have been highlighted on many occasions in recent years. The specific physiological and psychosocial needs of critically ill children have resulted in the recommendation that they be cared for in specially designated units. It is essential that the anatomical and physiological differences between adults and children and how these affect them in health and illness be considered when providing care for this client group.
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ICU psychosis is common amongst patients admitted to critical care settings. ICU psychosis is the result of a complex interaction between physiological and psychological factors. Environmental factors will contribute to ICU psychosis (including sleep deprivation, excessive noise, separation, poor communication and immobilisation). These environmental factors can be manipulated to reduce the incidence of ICU psychosis.
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Nursing in critical care · Jan 1999
Case Reports'Climbing the walls' ICU psychosis: myth or reality?
The extent of the effect of the ICU environment on the psychological functioning on the ICU patient is explored. There is a need to understand all potential causes of disruption in psychological functioning in ICU patients. Co-ordination of all care carried out by multi-disciplinary team can help re-orientate patients and re-establish normal routines.
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Nursing in critical care · Jan 1999
How critical care nurses identify and meet the needs of visitors to intensive care units.
This article provides an account of the everyday experience of meeting the needs of visitors to intensive care units and how research on the topic assists the nurse with this situation. Shortfalls in the available research and the provision of appropriate training for the practical experience are considered. A commentary on the requirements for further development of knowledge and training is offered.