Journal of trauma nursing : the official journal of the Society of Trauma Nurses
-
The relationship of burnout (BO), compassion fatigue (CF), compassion satisfaction (CS), and secondary traumatic stress (STS) to personal/environmental characteristics, coping mechanisms, and exposure to traumatic events was explored in 128 trauma nurses. Of this sample, 35.9% had scores consistent with BO, 27.3% reported CF, 7% reported STS, and 78.9% had high CS scores. ⋯ High CS correlated with greater strength of supports, higher participation in exercise, use of meditation, and positive coworker relationships. Caring for trauma patients may lead to BO, CF, and STS; identifying predictors of these can inform the development of interventions to mitigate or minimize BO, CF, and STS in trauma nurses.
-
Comparative Study
Cervical collar-related pressure ulcers in trauma patients in intensive care unit.
The application of a cervical collar (C-collar) in trauma patients can be life-saving. Previous studies, however, describe development of pressure ulcers related to C-collars. ⋯ The incidence of CRPUs in this study was low. CRPUs, however, should never be accepted as an inevitable complication of cervical immobilization. To identify trauma patients at risk and to apply effective preventive interventions for CRPU development, further research is needed.
-
Observational Study
Health-related quality of life and rehabilitation cost following intensive care unit stay in multiple trauma patients.
The objective of this study was to assess changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in multiple trauma patients due to motor vehicle crashes during a follow-up period of 2 years after discharge from an intensive care unit (ICU) and the effect of income and financial cost of rehabilitation in HRQOL. ⋯ Severely injured victims of motor vehicle crashes suffer from serious problems in terms of HRQOL which is gradually improved even 2 years after hospital discharge. In addition, HRQOL is significantly related to income. Resources used for rehabilitation decrease over time, but even at 24 months, the patients still use half of the amount as compared with the cost of the first 6 months after trauma.
-
Comparative Study
Opioid requirements in mechanically ventilated trauma patients receiving dexmedetomidine versus propofol.
Proponents of dexmedetomidine often cite the agent's analgesic properties as one of its main advantages over propofol and benzodiazepines. However, there are very limited studies utilizing endpoints such as analgesic requirements to provide supporting evidence for these claims. The primary purpose of this retrospective study was to compare opioid analgesic requirements in trauma patients receiving nonconcurrent dexmedetomidine and propofol for sedation while being weaned from mechanical ventilation. Total analgesic requirements were similar between dexmedetomidine and propofol within 48 hours of sedative initiation in adult trauma patients (P > .05).
-
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is an international tool used to measure the level of consciousness for traumatically injured patients. One Level I and 3 Level II Trauma Centers in our Health Care System perceived a deficiency in the documentation of the GCS. ⋯ A reaudit was performed to determine the success of these interventions. Although improvement was demonstrated, additional action was taken to enhance documentation in the electronic medical record.