Progress in cardiovascular nursing
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Prog Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 2002
ReviewAtrial fibrillation: the newest frontier in arrhythmia management.
At least 2.3 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation. Since the risk for developing atrial fibrillation increases with age, the number of people with atrial fibrillation is expected to rise sharply. Atrial fibrillation is a complex condition that adversely influences mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and use of health care resources. ⋯ Nursing assessment and treatment of patients' response to atrial fibrillation are discussed. Recommendations for patient education are offered. A plan describing specific nursing diagnoses, outcomes, interventions, and activities for care of patients with atrial fibrillation is presented.
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Prog Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 2002
Review Case ReportsEmergent cardiovascular risk factor: homocysteine.
Homocysteine is an independent, modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is an intermediate amino acid formed during the metabolism of methionine. ⋯ Risk factors for elevated homocysteine and intervention with B vitamins are discussed. Cardiovascular nurses are encouraged to facilitate homocysteine awareness through a variety of educational means.
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Prog Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 2001
ReviewThe natural history of recovery following sudden cardiac arrest and internal cardioverter-defibrillator implantation.
The purposes of this review are to 1) summarize current knowledge regarding the "natural history of recovery" (physical functioning, psychological adjustment, and neurologic impairments) following sudden cardiac arrest and internal cardioverter-defibrillator implantation over the first year; and 2) discuss the implications for the development of nursing intervention programs based on the natural history of recovery. The natural history serves as a basis for understanding the recovery experiences of sudden cardiac arrest survivors as well as determining how intervention programs might help the most.
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Correct electrode placement is critical to obtaining accurate information from any monitoring lead. The choice of lead should be based on the goals of monitoring for a specific patient population and on the individual patient's clinical situation. When using a 5-wire monitoring cable, arm electrodes should be placed on the shoulders; leg electrodes, on the lower thorax or hip area; and the chest electrode, in the desired V lead position. ⋯ If two leads are available, V1 and lead III or aVF (or a limb lead with maximal ST segment displacement) are good choices. If three leads are available, leads V1, III, and aVF are the best choices. Continuous 12-lead monitoring is available and offers several advantages.