Journal of advanced nursing
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To examine descriptors used by nurses in two Canadian intensive care units to document pain presence for critically ill patients unable to self-report. ⋯ Inconsistent or ambiguous documentation was problematic in this sample. This may reflect confounding behaviours and concomitant safety priorities. Developing a lexicon of pain assessment descriptors of critically ill patients unable to self-report for use in combination with valid and reliable measures may improve documentation facilitating appropriate analgesic management. Protocols or unit guidelines that prioritize a trial of analgesia before administration of sedatives may decrease decisional uncertainty when patients exhibit ambiguous behaviours such as agitation or restlessness.
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This article is a report of a Norwegian-revised study on the effectiveness of a follow-up multidisciplinary management programme for chronic pain to investigate the change processes associated with treatment. ⋯ These results are consistent with the ultimate goal of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches, which is to help patients with chronic pain to cope more effectively and to improve their health-related quality of life and functioning. To maintain treatment improvements and advance nursing, there is a clear need for research that tests the efficacy of follow-up interventions that are designed to prevent drop out and relapse.
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To investigate the possible influence of gender and anaesthesia type on anxiety prior to day surgery. ⋯ Anxiety was experienced by the majority of participants but was more prevalent amongst general anaesthesia and female patients. For general anaesthesia patients, a comprehensive level of information may be required a number of weeks prior to surgery and gender differences associated with the preoperative wait may require greater consideration.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Low- vs. high-pressure suction drainage after total knee arthroplasty: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of continuous low-pressure suction drainage compared with closed high-pressure suction following total knee arthroplasty. ⋯ Continuous low-pressure suction of 50 mmHg is not more effective than the higher aspiration pressure system to diminish the blood loss in total knee arthroplasty. The results do not support any change in current nursing practice relating to the use of this drain system.
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This paper is a report of a study of association between workplace injuries experienced by nursing assistants in nursing homes in the United States and four factors that may affect injury rates: initial nursing assistant training, training at the current facility, lifting devices, and time to execute daily duties. ⋯ Regions without widespread access to lifting devices may be able to reduce injury rates by increasing the availability of lifting devices. The potential for reductions in injury rates in the United States is greatest from improving training and ensuring adequate time for resident care, as most facilities currently have lifts available.