Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · May 2004
ReviewGastric tonometry and monitoring gastrointestinal perfusion: using research to support nursing practice.
The principles and physiological underpinnings of gastric tonometry are reviewed. Tonometric variables, including the PtCO2, pHi and CO2 gap, are described and critiqued as measurements of gastrointestinal perfusion. ⋯ The technical limitations of gastric tonometry, including procedural errors and PtCO2 measurement are discussed in relation to the accuracy of tonometric measurements. Tonometric measurement using semi-continuous air tonometry is introduced as a strategy to minimize technical limitations.
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Nursing in critical care · May 2004
Introducing an early warning scoring system in a district general hospital.
One of the critical care outreach service's aims in this local hospital was to develop an assessment tool to help identify patients in danger of deterioration. This paper describes the introduction of an early warning scoring system between April 2001 and March 2002 to the surgical unit of a district general hospital. ⋯ Explanations are given of the training processes undertaken, the pilot evaluation and lessons learned from the process. Using the experiences of the outreach service in introducing the early warning scoring system, this paper aims to provide thought for others considering a similar initiative in their area
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Nursing in critical care · May 2004
'Do not attempt resuscitation' decision-making: a study exploring the attitudes and experiences of nurses.
At the time of the research being undertaken, a policy regarding resuscitation decisions did not exist at a local hospital. However, it was proposed that a new 'do not attempt resuscitation' policy should be implemented. Nurses' attitudes to, and experiences of, the communication involved in 'do not attempt resuscitation' decision-making were explored and compared with five variables (nurses' age, nurses' grade, years of nursing, area of nursing practice and length of nursing experience on current ward). ⋯ There were no significant differences between nurses' attitudes to current 'do not attempt resuscitation' decision-making and the five variables. However, there was one significant difference identified between nurses' experiences and the area of nursing practice (p=0.008). To adhere to the principles of the forthcoming 'do not attempt resuscitation' policy at the local hospital, the research findings have suggested that changes need to occur to both nurses' attitudes to and nurses' experiences of current 'do not attempt resuscitation' decision-making.
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Nursing in critical care · May 2004
Intensive care nurses' experiences of assessing and dealing with patients' psychological needs.
Several authors have highlighted the short- and long-term psychological effects of an intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Few authors have discussed the nurses' perceptions of psychological care. ⋯ Six categories were developed about issues in psychological care. Implications for practice included the important role of the family, need for improved communication and improved staff awareness of issues.
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Nursing in critical care · May 2004
Can nurses in cardiology areas prepare patients for implantable cardioverter defibrillator implant and life at home?
This study explored nurses' confidence and competence in preparing patients for having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator implanted and for life at home after discharge. Whilst research has identified various physical and psychosocial effects to patients and their partners associated with device implant and subsequent lifestyle adjustments, no research has explored nurses' knowledge of the device or these effects. A survey was designed using a purposive sample of 152 nurses from cardiology areas in four large teaching hospitals and a 28-point postal questionnaire to explore knowledge of the device and its impact. ⋯ Knowledge of the device and its effects appeared poorly understood by all nurses, irrespective of additional qualifications, length of time since qualifying or area of work. Many participants were aware of the poor knowledge level of nurses and identified it as a weakness in current care practices. Lack of understanding may impair preparation of patients for implantation of or for living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and feasible strategies to change this situation will require careful consideration and further investment.