American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Alcohol Withdrawal Prevention: A Randomized Evaluation of Lorazepam and Ethanol--A Pilot Study.
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome, characterized by confusion, agitation, and hallucinations, decreases the safety of patients with acute myocardial infarction. Unexpected hospitalization and sudden cessation of alcohol consumption may increase in-hospital complications and length of stay and even precipitate death. ⋯ These preliminary findings suggest that a randomized evaluation of treatment strategies to prevent complications associated with alcohol withdrawal in patients with acute myocardial infarction is safe and feasible.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Using a criteria-based reminder to reduce use of indwelling urinary catheters and decrease urinary tract infections.
Duration of indwelling urinary catheterization is an important risk factor for urinary tract infection. ⋯ Use of a criteria-based reminder to remove indwelling urinary catheters can diminish the use of urinary catheterization and reduce the likelihood of catheter-associated urinary infections. This reminder approach can prevent catheter-associated urinary infections, and its use should be strongly considered as a way to enhance the safety of patients.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
CNE article: pain after lung transplant: high-frequency chest wall oscillation vs chest physiotherapy.
Background Chest physiotherapy and high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) are routinely used after lung transplant to facilitate removal of secretions. To date, no studies have been done to investigate which therapy is more comfortable and preferred by lung transplant recipients. Patients who have less pain may mobilize secretions, heal, and recover faster. ⋯ Conclusions HFCWO seems to provide greater decreases in pain scores than does chest physiotherapy. Bilateral lung transplant recipients preferred HFCWO to chest physiotherapy. HFCWO may be an effective, feasible alternative to chest physiotherapy. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2013;22:115-125).
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Nurse- vs nomogram-directed glucose control in a cardiovascular intensive care unit.
Paper-based nomograms are reasonably effective for achieving glycemic control but have low adherence and are less adaptive than nurses' judgment. ⋯ In an intensive care unit where nurses generally accepted the need for tight glucose control, nurse-directed control was as effective and as safe as nomogram-based control.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Impact of a nutritional formula enriched in fish oil and micronutrients on pressure ulcers in critical care patients.
Pressure ulcers are an important source of morbidity and suffering for patients and a formidable burden on caregivers. ⋯ Administration of a feeding formula enriched with fish oil was associated with decreased progression of pressure ulcers and a decrease in blood concentrations of C-reactive protein.