Journal of trauma nursing : the official journal of the Society of Trauma Nurses
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparative study of risk factors for skin breakdown with cervical orthotic devices: Philadelphia and Aspen.
To compare risk factors for skin breakdown between Philadelphia and Aspen cervical collars. ⋯ Aspen resulted in lower relative skin humidity.
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Opportunities for family interaction with comatose patients are often strictly limited. Some studies have indicated that family visits to the ICU have detrimental effects on physiologic parameters such as blood pressure and heart rate. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of taped messages by a family member on key measures of physiological functioning in comatose head-injured patients in intensive care units. ⋯ Research to date represents conflicting results. This study demonstrated no untoward effects with exposure to taped familial messages, including no changes in intracranial pressure (ICP), blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation level, or level of restlessness. The findings support allowing family interactions with comatose head-injured patients in the ICU.
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Clinical Management Protocols for trauma patients. ⋯ Utilizing annotated algorithms, the protocols are designed for and driven by patient care based on patient need and require the collaboration of experts and trauma team members.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Development of a policy for patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents.
To develop a policy to standardize the care of patients paralyzed with neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs). ⋯ The policy was useful as an educational tool. A NMBA order form should be developed to improve adherence to the policy.
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Patients who sustain abdominal trauma become hypermetabolic and require aggressive utilization of early enteral nutrition. The purpose of this article is to discuss the physiology of the gut as it relates to the development of septic sequelae and the role of early enteral nutrition in decreasing septic complications based upon the findings of previously published research. The research clearly supports that there are many benefits associated with the initiation of early enteral nutrition in this patient population.