Critical care nurse
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Critical care nurse · Jun 2022
ReviewRisk Stratification in Noninvasive Respiratory Support Failure: A Narrative Review.
The use of noninvasive respiratory support, including noninvasive ventilation and high-flow nasal cannula therapy, has increased over the years. Failure of noninvasive respiratory support, defined as the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, increases the mortality rate. ⋯ Future research opportunities include improving study design for risk stratification and implementing preventive strategies for patients requiring noninvasive respiratory support. Clinically, risk stratification can provide an opportunity to share knowledge and facilitate conversations with patients and families.
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Critical care nurse · Jun 2022
ReviewOral Microbes in Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: Practice and Research Implications.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia accounts for 25% of all health care-associated infections and is classified as either ventilator-associated or non-ventilator-associated pneumonia. Hospital-acquired pneumonia most frequently results from aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions into the lungs. Although preventive measures for ventilator-associated pneumonia are well established, few preventive measures exist for the nonventilator type. ⋯ Findings reaffirm the importance of consistent oral care in hospitalized patients. In addition, practices should be different in patients receiving mechanical ventilation versus patients not receiving ventilation. Results may also provide knowledge to inform future preventive measures for pneumonia, particularly for nonventilator pneumonia.
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Tumor lysis syndrome is a life-threatening oncologic emergency in adult and pediatric patients with hematologic cancer. It occurs most often in malignancies with rapid cell turnover and large tumor burden, but its incidence has risen in solid tumors. The subsequent release of tumor cell contents into the bloodstream results in dangerous electrolyte and metabolic disturbances. ⋯ Knowledge of risk factors and clinical presentations will enhance the ability of nurses in clinical practice to prevent adverse events and complications that result from tumor lysis syndrome.
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Critical care nurse · Feb 2022
ReviewMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children in the Critical Care Setting.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is a new syndrome that has been hypothesized to be connected with the COVID-19 pandemic. Children are presenting-likely after SARS-CoV-2 infection or exposure-with vague symptoms including fever, gastrointestinal distress, and/or rash. ⋯ Critical care nurses must remain informed about advances in the care of patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, as these patients are often seen in critical care environments because of their high risk of cardiovascular failure.
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Critical care nurse · Dec 2021
ReviewUnderstanding Disorders of Consciousness: Opportunities for Critical Care Nurses.
Disorders of consciousness are powerful predictors of outcomes including mortality among critically ill patients. Encephalopathy, delirium, and coma are disorders of consciousness frequently encountered by critical care nurses but often classified incorrectly. ⋯ Paying close attention to neurological changes and monitoring them with standardized assessments are critical to implementing early measures to prevent complications.