Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · May 2017
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Observational StudyKnowledge level of nurses in Jordan on ventilator-associated pneumonia and preventive measures.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is the most prevalent infection in Intensive Care Units, with the highest mortality rate; crude mortality rates may be as high as 20-75%. Many practices such as prevention measures (e.g. hand washing, wearing gloves, suctioning, elevated head of bed between 30° and 45°) have demonstrated an effect of reducing the incidence of this infection. ⋯ Hospital and nursing administrators should be actively involved in educational programmes and in assuring support for continuing education. Protocol for ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention should be developed based on current evidence-based guidelines.
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Nursing in critical care · May 2017
ReviewTherapeutic hypothermia in patients following traumatic brain injury: a systematic review.
The efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia in adult patients with traumatic brain injury is not fully understood. The historical use of therapeutic hypothermia at extreme temperatures was associated with severe complications and led to it being discredited. Positive results from animal studies using milder temperatures led to renewed interest. However, recent studies have not convincingly demonstrated the beneficial effects of therapeutic hypothermia in practice. ⋯ Therapeutic hypothermia can have a positive impact on patient outcome, but more research is required.
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Nursing in critical care · May 2017
Comparative StudySedation scoring and managing abilities of intensive care nurses post educational intervention.
Inappropriate sedation assessment can jeopardize patient comfort and safety. Therefore, nurses' abilities in assessing and managing sedation are vital for effective care of mechanically ventilated patients. ⋯ Educational initiatives are necessary to improve ICU practice, particularly in ICUs with inexperienced nurses.
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Nursing in critical care · May 2017
Attitudes, knowledge and practices concerning delirium: a survey among intensive care unit professionals.
Delirium is a common form of vital organ dysfunction in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and is associated with poor outcomes. Adherence to guideline recommendations pertaining to delirium is still suboptimal. ⋯ Identification of implementation barriers for adherence to guidelines pertaining to delirium is feasible with a survey. Results of this study may help to design-targeted implementation strategies for ICU delirium management.
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Nursing in critical care · May 2017
Development and psychometric evaluation of a questionnaire on nurses' clinical competence eye care in intensive care unit patients.
Given the high prevalence of eye disorders in intensive care units, evaluating critical care nurses' competence in providing standard eye care is a matter of utmost importance. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no valid questionnaire for measuring nurses' competence to undertake eye care. ⋯ A complication of sedation and coma is that some patients are unable to maintain effective eyelid closure. These patients present a higher risk of eye complications. Development of tools for evaluating nurses' competence in providing standard eye care is a fundamental prerequisite for improving the quality of eye care.