Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · Nov 2003
ReviewCare bundles in critical care: a practical approach to evidence-based practice.
The care bundle is a new concept in critical care, which is currently being promoted by the National Health Service Modernisation Agency for Critical Care. Care bundles originated in North America and are described best as groups of evidence-based practice interventions. ⋯ Care bundles are relatively easy to develop, implement and audit, and provide practitioners with a practical method for implementing evidence-based practice. This article describes the care bundle and offers practical suggestions about how to develop, implement and audit them in practice.
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Nursing in critical care · Sep 2003
An audit of post-operative nausea and vomiting, following cardiac surgery: scope of the problem.
Post-operative nausea and vomiting is a major problem for patients following cardiac surgery. The literature in this area identifies that there are a number of individual patient and post-operative factors which increase the risk of post-operative nausea and vomiting, including female gender, non-smoker, age, use of opioids, pain and anxiety. An audit involving 200 patients, who had undergone cardiac surgery was implemented to assess/evaluate the incidence of nausea and vomiting for this patient group. ⋯ The results suggest that nausea and vomiting, is experienced by a large number of patients after cardiac surgery (67%), with the majority suffering on the first day after surgery. The duration of nausea and vomiting for most is short, but for a significant number (7%) it can last up to one-quarter of their initial post-operative course. The paper discusses key implications for practice arising from this project.
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After a stay in intensive care, patients may suffer physiological after effects, such as muscle wasting, polyneuropathies, disturbed sleep, itching and poor mobility. The care that patients receive whilst on intensive care may contribute to the severity of some of these physical problems. Raising awareness amongst critical care nurses may help reduce the severity of some of the physiological after effects. Increased awareness amongst nurses on the wards about the physical impact of intensive care may lead to a greater understanding of the needs of this group of patients and may improve discharge planning.
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Nursing in critical care · May 2003
ReviewNursing care of the acute head injury: a review of the evidence.
This article aims to review the current evidence in relation to acute head injury care. Head injuries are a frequent cause of death and disability in western society with the first 72 h being an important period for prevention of further brain damage. ⋯ The specialized nursing care and drug therapy management that is necessary for acute head injury patients will be highlighted. Recommendations for practice will be given.