American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Multicenter Study
Pain assessment and management in critically ill postoperative and trauma patients: a multisite study.
Pain in critically ill patients is undertreated. ⋯ Despite moderate to severe pain, patients are generally satisfied with their pain relief. Measuring patients' satisfaction alone is not a reliable outcome for determining the effectiveness of pain management. Realistic expectations of patients about their pain may enhance coping, increase satisfaction, and decrease pain intensity after surgery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Psychological factors and survival in the cardiac arrhythmia suppression trial (CAST): a reexamination.
Evaluating the independent effects of psychosocial and physiological factors on survival of cardiac patients is difficult because it requires obtaining extensive physiological and psychosocial data and long-term follow-up of high-risk patients. ⋯ Among patients who had asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias after myocardial infarction, psychological status during the period after infarction contributed to mortality beyond the effect of physiological status. The results reaffirm the critical interrelationship between mind and body for cardiovascular health.
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Review Multicenter Study
Impact of aborted sudden cardiac death on survivors and their spouses: the phenomenon of different reference points.
Although anecdotal data suggest that spouses of aborted sudden cardiac death survivors become enmeshed in the physical and emotional recovery of their mates, few longitudinal studies address the personal struggle of aborted sudden cardiac death survivors and their spouses during recovery. ⋯ Acknowledgment of different reference points is essential in planning interventions for aborted sudden cardiac death survivors and their spouses. This population must be encouraged to express their questions, concerns, and fears early. Differences in perspectives should be identified to avoid troubled communication and conflicts.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Evaluation of the effects of heparinized and nonheparinized flush solutions on the patency of arterial pressure monitoring lines: the AACN Thunder Project. By the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
To evaluate the effects of heparinized and nonheparinized flush solutions on the patency of arterial pressure monitoring lines. ⋯ Chances for patency are greatest in men with long femoral lines who receive other anticoagulants or thrombolytics and heparinized flush solutions. Risks of nonpatency are greatest in women with short nonfemoral lines who do not receive other anticoagulants or thrombolytics and have nonheparinized flush solutions.