Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · Nov 2008
Using a high-flow respiratory system (Vapotherm) within a high dependency setting.
Vapotherm 2000i is a non-invasive high-flow respiratory support system used mainly in the treatment of type 1 respiratory failure. It uses a mixture of oxygen and air to deliver a set concentration via nasal cannula (or tracheostomy mask). The advantage of this system is the high humidity achieved using the integral heated water system. The system has been used in neonatal practice as a replacement for conventional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) but there is little published research within the adult setting about its use. ⋯ A non-invasive high-flow respiratory support system can be effective at improving oxygenation in hypoxic patients. Patients were generally satisfied with the system and the system seems suitable for use in an adult surgical high dependency setting.
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Nursing in critical care · Nov 2008
Editorial CommentRe: Critical care nursing: towards 2015. Editors' note.
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Nursing in critical care · Nov 2008
ReviewClinical tools for the assessment of pain in sedated critically ill adults.
This paper aims to review the evidence regarding pain assessment tools for sedated patients and to establish whether the use of a tool can be recommended in practice. ⋯ The implementation of the BPS can be recommended in intensive care units and may improve the management of pain among sedated patients by providing a systematic and consistent approach to pain assessment to guide interventions. The CPOT may also prove useful in assessing pain among sedated patients, but first requires further validation. Also, further research is needed into the effects of pain assessment tools on pain management practices and patient outcomes.
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Nursing in critical care · Nov 2008
Self-extubation risk assessment tool: predictive validity in a real-life setting.
To evaluate the predictive validity of the self-extubation risk assessment tool (SERAT) in intensive care patients. ⋯ Because of the high number of false positives, the use of the SERAT in clinical practice to date is not advocated. The positive predictive value has to be improved to avoid the implementation of intensive interventions in patients who are not at risk.