Respiratory care
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When respiratory therapists (RTs) seek respiratory care equipment, finding it quickly is desirable, both to expedite patient care and to avert RTs wasting time. To optimize RTs' ability to quickly locate ventilators, we developed and implemented a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tagging system called eTrak. ⋯ An RFID tracking system for respiratory equipment shortened the time to locate ventilators and non-significantly improved RT satisfaction with finding equipment. RFID tagging of equipment warrants further investigation.
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Observational Study
RESPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH DURING AND AFTER HOSPITALIZATION FOR COPD EXACERBATION.
A more profound investigation of respiratory muscle strength during COPD exacerbation was needed, so we investigated respiratory muscle strength and related factors in patients with COPD during and after hospitalization for COPD exacerbation. ⋯ There was a high prevalence of inspiratory muscle dysfunction in patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation. Inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength increased markedly during and after hospitalization. The degree of air-flow obstruction and hyperinflation were related to inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength.