AACN clinical issues in critical care nursing
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AACN Clin Issues Crit Care Nurs · Nov 1991
ReviewAneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: neurosurgical frontiers and nursing challenges.
Despite increases in survival beyond the initial hemorrhage, the devastating consequences of subarachnoid hemorrhage persist. Ruptured intracranial aneurysms are the most likely cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage, with morbidity and mortality rates approaching 75%. ⋯ In order to positively influence outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage, preservation of an adequate cerebral blood flow and prevention of secondary aneurysmal rupture is essential. This article reviews aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, relating the management of complications to currently accepted treatment strategies.
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AACN Clin Issues Crit Care Nurs · Nov 1991
Case ReportsBenzodiazepine sedation in critically ill patients.
Agitation is a common phenomenon in critically ill patients. This multidimensional challenge can prolong illness, interfere with treatment, and harm the patient. The nurse must assess the cause of the agitation and provide effective, timely intervention. ⋯ With astute assessment and intervention, agitation can be prevented and treated to enhance recovery from critical illness. Benzodiazepines are an effective treatment intervention for agitation. With thorough knowledge of the actions and potential effects of these drugs, the nurse can provide the best pharmacologic intervention to treat agitation in the critically ill patient.
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AACN Clin Issues Crit Care Nurs · Nov 1991
Case ReportsPain and analgesia: considerations for the elderly in critical care.
A large percentage of patients in critical care are older than 65 years old. Pain is a problem common to the elderly receiving critical care. ⋯ Understanding physiologic changes experienced with aging and anticipated changes in functional abilities is necessary to the development of a pain-management plan and to providing comprehensive nursing care. Pharmacologic analgesia will be a part of the pain-management plan, with consideration given to the effects on the elderly.