British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
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Reflection and evaluation of wound care administered within the intensive care unit where the author is based suggested that an inadequate level of care was being provided. No structured approach existed; documentation was poor, with practitioners struggling to make decisions on appropriate care. A research study supported these reflections, and implied that wound care was delivered on an ad hoc basis. ⋯ Few staff had ever received any training on this topic and most knowledge was acquired through trial and error. No evidence-based approach to wound care was in place: thus, care was random and outdated. The results from the research study stimulated the development of a comprehensive evidence-based reference guide on the topic of wound care, which was designed for use in the clinical setting, and has allowed the development of a structured approach to wound care.
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The provision of artificial nutrition for critically ill patients is of great importance as many are unable to maintain their own nutritional needs. The administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and enteral nutrition (EN) has become a daily practice in intensive care units. ⋯ In order to lessen the catabolic state which results from the hypermetabolism associated with critical illness, prompt and adequate nutritional support must be delivered. It is essential that members of the multidisciplinary team caring for critically ill patients are aware of the importance of nutrition and the deleterious effects of malnutrition to achieve the best possible outcome for patients.