American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Pain, agitation, and delirium are associated with negative outcomes in critically ill patients. Reducing variation in pain, agitation, and delirium management among institutions could improve care. ⋯ Variation in assessment and management of pain, agitation, and delirium in British Columbia intensive care units highlights opportunities to improve care.
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Dyspnea (breathing discomfort) is commonly experienced by critically ill patients and at this time is not routinely assessed and documented. Intensive care unit nurses at the study institution recently instituted routine assessment and documentation of dyspnea in all patients able to report using a numeric scale ranging from 0 to 10. ⋯ Our study shows that nurses understand the importance of routine dyspnea assessment and that the addition of a simple patient report scale can improve care delivery and does not add to the burden of work-flow.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of Delirium on Physical Function in Noncardiac Thoracic Surgery Patients.
The effect of delirium on physical function in patients undergoing noncardiac thoracic surgery has not been well described and may differ from that in other surgical populations. ⋯ Postoperative delirium was not associated with change in muscle strength. Follow-up studies using other muscle measures may be needed.