American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Inpatients may be at risk of cardiopulmonary instability during radiologic testing. Calling the medical emergency team is one rescue intervention that brings a team of critical care providers to the unstable patient. Little is known, however, about patients' instability and activations of the medical emergency team in the radiology department (RD-MET). ⋯ RD-MET patients with comorbid conditions, from a general care unit, and at risk for neurological deterioration arrive in the radiology department with potentially underestimated support needs. Greater support in specific time frames and locations may be warranted to improve outcomes.
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Factors that affect the impact of caregiving on patients' family members who provide care to patients with heart failure have not been adequately addressed. In addition, social support and positive aspects of caregiving have received little attention. ⋯ Caregiving has both positive and negative effects on family caregivers of patients with heart failure. The findings suggest the need for interventions to increase caregivers' sense of control and social support. Family caregivers may need additional support immediately after patient hospitalizations to minimize the negative impact of caregiving.
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Aspiration of secretions that accumulate above the cuff of the endotracheal tube is a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Routine suctioning of oropharyngeal secretions may reduce this risk; the recommended frequency for suctioning is unknown. ⋯ A minimum frequency of oropharyngeal suctioning every 4 hours is recommended. However, more frequent suctioning may be needed in a subset of patients.