American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Safety and Effectiveness of Early Oral Hydration in Patients After Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Patients fast after cardiothoracic surgery because of concerns for nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, and aspiration pneumonia; fasting, however, causes thirst, a distressing symptom. To our knowledge, no studies exist to guide hydration practices in this population. ⋯ This research provides new evidence that oral hydration (ice chips and water) soon after extubation is safe and significantly reduces thirst in particular patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Relationship Between Intensive Care Unit Delirium Severity and 2-Year Mortality and Health Care Utilization.
Critical care patients with delirium are at an increased risk of functional decline and mortality long term. ⋯ Increased delirium severity and days of delirium or coma are associated with higher mortality risk 2 years after discharge.