Critical care nurse
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Critical care nurse · Feb 2025
Reducing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries in a Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit.
Hospital-acquired pressure injuries are a significant patient safety concern. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services tracks hospital-acquired pressure injuries as a patient safety indicator. Health care organizations with higher-than-expected rates may incur penalties. ⋯ The use of an intensive care unit-specific risk-assessment tool with linked interventions to prevent pressure injury can help reduce hospital-acquired pressure injuries in an intensive care unit.
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Critical care nurse · Feb 2025
Case ReportsProne Positioning in a Pregnant Woman With Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Case Report.
Prone ventilation is a standard treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome, and its clinical benefits are well established. However, implementing prone positioning safely and effectively is challenging in patients who are pregnant, have intra-abdominal hypertension, or are in other high-risk groups. ⋯ This case report describes the use of prone positioning in a pregnant patient. The report offers critical care nurses insights into the clinical management of patients who are pregnant or have intra-abdominal hypertension.
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Critical care nurse · Feb 2025
Fast-Track Extubation Protocol for Adult Cardiac Surgery Patients to Reduce Intubation Times and Length of Stay in the Intensive Care Unit.
Prolonged intubation has been associated with unfavorable outcomes after cardiac surgery. A standardized approach is needed to ensure prompt extubation and shorten intensive care unit stays. ⋯ Implementing a fast-track extubation protocol for adult cardiac surgery patients shortened time to extubation and intensive care unit stay, expediting and improving recovery processes in the intensive care unit.