American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Comparative Study
Comparison of airway management practices between registered nurses and respiratory care practitioners.
Airway management, an essential component of care for patients receiving mechanical ventilation, is multifaceted and includes oral hygiene and suctioning, endotracheal suctioning, and care of endotracheal tubes. Registered nurses and respiratory care personnel often share responsibilities for airway management. Knowledge of current practices can help facilitate evidence-based practices to optimize care of patients receiving mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Practices in airway management have improved, but opportunities exist to develop shared policies and procedures based on current evidence.
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Case Reports
Pseudo-ventricular tachycardia mimicking malignant arrhythmia in a patient with rapid atrial fibrillation.
Artifacts can simulate arrhythmias such as atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. A case of pseudo-ventricular tachycardia is outlined in a patient with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation, which made the diagnosis a special challenge. Characteristic signs of pseudo-ventricular tachycardia are described. This case reinforces the importance of recognizing artifacts to avoid unnecessary interventions, especially in the telemetry and critical care units.