Articles: cations.
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Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is widely practiced, but the indications are incompletely developed, and guidelines are poorly followed. ⋯ Candidacy for ICP monitoring exceeds published indicators for monitor insertion, suggesting the clinical perception that the value of ICP data is greater than simply detecting and monitoring severe intracranial hypertension. Monitor insertion heatmaps are offered as potential guidance for ICP monitor insertion and to stimulate research into what actually drives monitor insertion in unconstrained, real-world conditions.
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Pulmonary artery catheters provide important information about cardiac function, mixed venous oxygenation, and right-sided pressures and potentially provide temporary pacing ability. ⋯ The overall risk of serious complications with right heart catheter placement and manipulation is low and often outweighed by its benefits, specifically pressure monitoring and pacing.
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Homelessness is associated with high risk of acute neurotraumatic injury in the ∼600 000 Americans affected on any given night. ⋯ Homeless individuals experience longer hospital stays, more inpatient complications such as myocardial infarction, and more unplanned readmissions after discharge compared with their housed counterparts. These findings combined with limited discharge options in the homeless population indicate that better guidance is needed to improve the postoperative disposition and long-term care of this vulnerable patient population.
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Although the overall psychosocial benefits and body image gains of postmastectomy breast reconstruction are well-established, there is limited information on how postoperative complications affect patient quality of life (QOL). ⋯ Our study demonstrates that QOL and well-being are not negatively impacted by postoperative complications. Although patients who had no complications had an overall more positive experience, nearly two-thirds of all patients, no matter the degree of complication, stated that their overall experience either met or exceeded their expectations.
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Critical care nurse · Aug 2023
Protocolization of Analgesia and Sedation Through Smart Technology in Intensive Care: Improving Patient Safety.
The risk of medication errors in intensive care units is high, primarily in the drug administration phase. ⋯ Protocolization and centralization of the preparation of high-alert sedative and analgesic medications for critically ill patients and the administration of these drugs using smart pump technology decrease variability of clinical practice and intercept potentially serious medication errors.