Critical care nurse
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Thromboelastography is a viscoelastic test with multiple potential advantages over conventional coagulation tests in various disease states. Thromboelastography rapidly provides qualitative and quantitative information related to a patient's coagulation status. ⋯ Each team member should be involved in assessing the usefulness of thromboelastography. Critical care nurses and the multidisciplinary team must identify patients in whom its use is warranted, interpret the results, and provide appropriate interventions in response to the results and clinical status of the patient.
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Critical care nurse · Jun 2023
Use of Female External Urinary Catheters in a Burn Intensive Care Unit: Benefits and Challenges.
Burn patients have a relatively high rate of indwelling Foley catheter use because of their need for complex fluid management and wound care. However, Foley catheter use is associated with risks, including urinary tract infection. For female patients, an external urinary catheter is an alternative. ⋯ The use of female external urinary catheters may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infection in female burn patients. Further research is needed to refine the protocol for use of these devices and determine their safety profile.