Resp Care
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To measure the delivered fractional oxygen concentration (F(DO(2))) from preterm-size Laerdal silicone resuscitators (PLSR) without a reservoir. ⋯ The F(DO(2)) measured during this study did not differ from PLSR specifications. The F(DO(2)) did, however, differ from information contained in the North American Neonatal Resuscitation Program manual regarding use of a self-inflating bag without a reservoir. Care should be taken when selecting a self-inflating resuscitation device to provide blended air and oxygen, as high concentrations of oxygen may be delivered by these devices even when the reservoir is removed. American and Canadian recommendations for the provision of supplemental oxygen with self-inflating bags require reevaluation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Hallway versus treadmill 6-minute-walk tests in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The 6-min-walk test is widely used for functional evaluation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the test requires a 30-m unobstructed hallway, which is not available in all institutions. A treadmill 6-min walk test might be more practical. ⋯ The hallway and treadmill walk tests are not interchangeable. We need further study and standardization of the treadmill 6-min walk test.
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To determine the relationship between tracheostomy tube in place after intensive-care-unit (ICU) discharge and hospital mortality. ⋯ In our critical-care setting, lack of decannulation of conscious tracheostomized patients before ICU discharge to the general ward was associated with higher mortality.
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To determine the outcomes of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and the factors associated with NIV failure in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). ⋯ NIV should be judiciously used in patients with AHRF. A low baseline P(aO2)/F(IO2) ratio was associated with NIV failure.