Nursing research
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Clinical Trial
Development of a reliable and valid bedside test for bilirubin and its utility for improving prediction of feeding tube location.
The addition of laboratory bilirubin readings to an algorithm based on pH alone improves prediction of feeding tube location; although reliable pH-teststrips are available, there is no bedside test to measure bilirubin in feeding tube aspirates. ⋯ The newly developed VBIL scale is effective in determining the bilirubin content in feeding tube aspirates. Furthermore, compared with predicting tube location from pH-paper alone, dichotomized readings from the VBIL scale/bilirubin teststrip used in combination with a pH-teststrip improved the ability to differentiate between respiratory and gastrointestinal tube placement, as well as between gastric and intestinal tube placement. Refinement of the VBIL scale is indicated to increase its accuracy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Dyspnea management in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: effect of oxygen administration.
A deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) can lead to pulmonary disease in middle-aged adults in whom dyspnea management can be a significant issue. ⋯ O2 administration may be useful for reducing dyspnea during exercise in selected populations.