American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Patients in intensive care units are 5 times more likely to have skin integrity issues develop than patients in other units. Identifying the most appropriate assessment tool may be critical to preventing pressure injuries in intensive care patients. ⋯ The predictive validities of the Cubbin-Jackson and Braden scales are similar, but both are sub-optimal because of poor specificity and positive predictive value. Change in practice may not be warranted, because there are no differences between the 2 scales of practical benefit to bedside nurses.
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Observational Study
Handgrip Force and Maximum Inspiratory and Expiratory Pressures in Critically Ill Patients With a Tracheostomy.
The association between peripheral striated muscle strength and respiratory muscle strength has been confirmed in a number of disorders. However, this association is unknown in intensive care unit patients with tracheostomies. ⋯ Strength of the hand flexors and strength of the expiratory muscles (abdominal) were significantly correlated in intensive care unit patients. Handgrip strength appears to be an easy, fast way to evaluate expiratory muscle strength by using a simple handhold command without special equipment. A strong handhold may also correspond to strong expiratory muscles. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03457376.