Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · Jul 2012
The use of propofol sedation in a paediatric intensive care unit.
The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate and report the experience of the use of continuous intravenous propofol sedation in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). ⋯ Propofol infusion was used in this population at low risk of PRIS with no metabolic or circulatory adverse effects. These findings indicate that the occurrence of adverse effects may not be directly related to dose or duration of infusion, but emphasizes the risk that sporadic factors may be involved, such as genetic mutations. Guidelines are presented.
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Nursing in critical care · May 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialOral care and oropharyngeal and tracheal colonization by Gram-negative pathogens in children.
Critical care nursing interventions to oral care can reduce microorganisms in the oropharynx available for translocation. ⋯ This study demonstrated no influence of a specific antiseptic agent on colonization profile of mechanically ventilated children in PICU. Further research in this field is necessary to promote evidence-based nursing practice on oral care of critically ill children.
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Nursing in critical care · Mar 2012
An audit of independent nurse prescribing in a critical care outreach team.
In 2006, legislative changes enabled independent prescribers to prescribe any licensed medication within their field of expertise. This has transformed nurse prescribing and opened up more opportunities for nurses to develop their practice in acute care settings. The need for further evaluation in this developing area of advanced practice was highlighted in the British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN) position statement published in 2009. ⋯ This preliminary audit has shown that prescribing in a CCO setting which covers a wide patient population is manageable. By evaluating drug prescribing patterns, a 'critical care outreach formulary' can be developed to guide individuals and the team in their continuing professional and service development. The CCO teams ability to prescribe could have the potential to improve the patients' experience and outcome, and positively affect the efficiency of service delivery; however, an increase in CCO referrals can have an impact on the CCO service resource. Further evaluation and study are needed to explore this developing area of critical care delivery.
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Nursing in critical care · Mar 2012
Family presence during resuscitation: a descriptive study of nurses' attitudes from two Saudi hospitals.
The presence of family in the patient care area during resuscitation events is a matter of current debate among health care professionals in many communities. Family presence is highly recommended by many health organizations worldwide for several reasons including patient and family rights. There are no policies or guidelines in Saudi Arabia to guide health professionals in their practice regarding the option of family being present during resuscitations. The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes of nurses towards family presence during resuscitation in the Muslim community of Saudi Arabia. ⋯ The findings of the study strongly suggest the need for the development of written policies offering families the option to remain with patients during resuscitation in Saudi Arabia. The study further recommends the development of education programs for staff and public for the safe implementation of the practice.