Articles: critical-care.
-
This descriptive study looked at how nurses positioned the critically ill person in the Intensive Care Unit. Its objective was to identify what positions were utilised, and whether severity of illness influenced this choice. ⋯ As the severity of illness increased, more horizontal positions were utilised. These findings and review of the literature highlights a need for further research into specific aspects of the use of position during critical illness.
-
There has been an increasing awareness over the past few years of malnourishment in hospital patients (Horwood 1990, Wallace 1993). Critically ill patients are a particularly vulnerable group as their physical problems can mean depleted energy reserves and an increase in energy consumption. ⋯ To give critically ill patients the best possible chance of survival, intensive care staff need to be aware of recent developments in clinical nutrition. A multidisciplinary approach to nutrition is essential to achieve the best possible outcome for patients in intensive care units (ICUs).