AACN clinical issues
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AACN clinical issues · Apr 2005
ReviewManagement of increased intracranial pressure in the critically ill child with an acute neurological injury.
Increased intracranial pressure reflects the presence of mass effect in the brain and is associated with a poor outcome in children with acute neurological injury. If sustained, it has a negative effect on cerebral blood flow and cerebral perfusion pressure, can cause direct compression of vital cerebral structures, and can lead to herniation. The management of the patient with increased intracranial pressure involves the maintenance of an adequate cerebral perfusion pressure, prevention of intracranial hypertension, and optimization of oxygen delivery. This article reviews the neurological assessment, pathophysiology, and management of increased intracranial pressure in the critically ill child who has sustained an acute neurological injury.
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AACN clinical issues · Apr 2005
ReviewHyperosmolar therapy in the treatment of severe head injury in children: mannitol and hypertonic saline.
Traumatic brain injury is the result of a primary, acute injury and is complicated by the development of secondary injury due to hypotension and hypoxia. Cerebral edema due to brain injury compromises the delivery of essential nutrients and alters normal intracranial pressure. The Monroe-Kellie Doctrine defines the principles of intracranial pressure homeostasis. ⋯ These guidelines offer recommendations for the management of children with severe head injury, including the use of mannitol and hypertonic saline to treat intracranial hypertension. Acute and critical care pediatric advanced practice nurses caring for children with severe head injury should be familiar with management guidelines and the use of hyperosmolar solutions. The purpose of this article is to assist the advanced practice nurse in understanding the role of hyperosmolar therapy in the treatment of pediatric traumatic brain injury and review current guidelines for the use of mannitol and hypertonic saline.
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AACN clinical issues · Apr 2005
The changing face of critical care medicine: nurse practitioners in the pediatric intensive care unit.
Over the last 50 years, healthcare has undergone countless changes. Some of the important changes in recent years have been budget cuts, decreased resident work hours, and increased patient acuity. ⋯ To date, little has been published regarding the role of the nurse practitioners in intensive care units. This article outlines how one pediatric hospital has successfully utilized nurse practitioners in the intensive care unit.
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AACN clinical issues · Apr 2005
Review Case ReportsOncological emergencies in the pediatric intensive care unit.
The overall 5-year survival rate of children with cancer has now reached 77%, an increase of about 45% in the past 25 years. Newer therapies, including hematopoietic cell transplantation and cutting edge chemotherapeutics evolving in the form of molecular and biological cell targeted agents, are being researched and developed and are responsible for the change in survival rates over time. ⋯ These trends are changing, however, currently leaving a hopeful, optimistic view of the outcome in children with cancer complications admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. It is imperative that nurses and intensive care staff understand pediatric cancer and its potential emergent consequences in order to respond to the symptoms of life threatening events.
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AACN clinical issues · Apr 2005
ReviewQuality improvement in backrest elevation: improving outcomes in critical care.
The positioning of critically ill patients is an independent nursing decision, often has multiple rationales, and may significantly affect morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence suggests that backrest elevation in critically ill patients may reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia. ⋯ This article reviews the benefits and complications of backrest elevation, data related to current positioning practices, and recommendations for backrest elevation. A quality improvement process to guide evidence-based care related to backrest positioning is also described.