Heart & lung : the journal of critical care
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Review
Practical aspects of epidural and intrathecal narcotic analgesia in the intensive care setting.
The administration of epidural and intrathecal narcotics is a technique of providing postoperative analgesia that is gaining popularity in many operating rooms, labor suites, and intensive care units. The epidural and intrathecal methods, first introduced a century ago, have been implemented as additional techniques for the administration of narcotic analgesics. Patients who have received epidural or intrathecal narcotics are frequently admitted to the intensive care unit for postoperative care. Because of their continuous proximity to the patient and their monitoring skills, critical care nurses are able to evaluate the analgesic effect and intervene in the event of a complication.
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Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a serious complication associated with various central nervous system insults. Experimental and clinical data support the occurrence of pulmonary edema as a result of neurogenic factors. ⋯ The pathophysiology of this disease is not well understood. We discuss the current theories of NPE, its signs and symptoms, and the nursing management for patients with NPE.
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Review Case Reports
Hypervolemic hemodilution: a new approach to subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) refers to the sudden accumulation of blood in the subarachnoid space or in the ventricular system. The hemorrhage may occur with cerebral anomalies, tumors, or trauma. The presence of SAH has been associated with decreases in cerebral blood flow (CBF), which may be attributed in part to increased blood viscosity and hematocrit. ⋯ The dosage is gradually tapered before discontinuation. Effectiveness of the therapy is measured through improvement in neurologic function and regional CBF measurements. The critical care nurse plays a vital role in administering and monitoring the therapy and in educating the family about the disease process and interventions.