Focus on critical care / American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Those caring for patients who undergo cardiac surgery share a dilemma. Complications associated with hypothermia encourage the care giver to rewarm the patient quickly, but complications associated with rapid temperature changes and hyperthermia can threaten the patient's hemodynamic stability. ⋯ Continued nursing research will expand the science of nursing and provide care givers with knowledge for expert care. As the turn of the century approaches and surgical techniques advance, high-risk patients who undergo reoperation and multi-valve cardiac surgery require expert nursing care.