Canadian journal of cardiovascular nursing = Journal canadien en soins infirmiers cardio-vasculaires
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Can J Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 2011
Cardiac surgery discharge questionnaires: meeting information needs of patients and families.
Tailoring discharge teaching information to the unique learning needs of cardiac surgery patients and their caregivers may improve information acquisition and retention and positively influence the transition home for these individuals. Two questionnaires were developed, one for adult cardiac surgery patients, and one for their caregivers, to explore their self-identified information needs regarding discharge teaching information. The questionnaires were adapted from the Patient Learning Needs Scale of Bubela et al. (1990). ⋯ The questionnaires may enhance the efficiency and quality of discharge teaching, as they enable nurses to address the unique information needs of patients and caregivers. This, in turn, may assist patients and caregivers to cope with the transition home. Formal piloting and evaluation of the tools with all stakeholder groups is indicated, in order to determine the effectiveness of the questionnaires and to evaluate and validate their content and format.
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Can J Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 2011
Case ReportsWhen blood runs cold: cold agglutinins and cardiac surgery.
Cold agglutinins are particular cold-reactive antibodies that react with red blood cells when the blood temperature drops below normal body temperature causing increased blood viscosity and red blood cell clumping. Most individuals with cold agglutinins are not aware of their presence, as these antibodies have little effect on daily living, often necessitating no treatment. However, when those with cold agglutinins are exposed to hypothermic situations or undergo procedures such as cardiopulmonary bypass with hypothermia during cardiac surgery, lethal complications of hemolysis, microvascular occlusion and organ failure can occur. ⋯ Using a case report approach, the authors review the mechanism, clinical manifestations, detection and nursing management of a patient with cold agglutinins undergoing scheduled cardiac surgery. Cold agglutinin disease is rare. However, the risk to patients warrants an increased awareness of cold agglutinins and screening for those who are suspected of carrying these antibodies.
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Can J Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialCold therapy for the management of pain associated with deep breathing and coughing post-cardiac surgery.
Coughing has been identified as the most painful experience post cardiac surgery. ⋯ This study demonstrates that cold therapy can be used to manage sternal incisional pain when DB & C.