American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Evaluation of an intervention to maintain endotracheal tube cuff pressure within therapeutic range.
Endotracheal tube cuff pressure must be kept within an optimal range that ensures ventilation and prevents aspiration while maintaining tracheal perfusion. ⋯ The intervention was effective in maintaining cuff pressure within an optimal range, and cuff pressure decreased over time without intervention. The effect of the intervention on outcomes such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and tracheal damage requires further study.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Decrease in frequency of liquid stool in enterally fed critically ill patients given the multispecies probiotic VSL#3: a pilot trial.
Diarrhea has adverse consequences for critically ill patients, health care staff, and health care costs. ⋯ VSL#3 was effective in reducing the frequency of liquid stool in critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition. Probiotics possibly can minimize diarrhea in critically ill tube-fed patients, but more controlled clinical trials are needed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Clinical predictors of duration of action of cisatracurium and rocuronium administered long-term.
The duration of action of neuromuscular blocking drugs (NBDs) varies between individuals and even within individuals in different settings. ⋯ Duration of NBD treatment is strongly predictive of the duration of action of rocuronium, and body temperature is predictive of the duration of action of cisatracurium. These data may help decrease the incidence of drug-induced muscle weakness in recovery rooms and surgical intensive care units, particularly if neuromuscular transmission monitoring is not available.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Chlorhexidine, toothbrushing, and preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill adults.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of mechanical chest percussion on intracranial pressure: a pilot study.
Treatment of brain injury is often focused on minimizing intracranial pressure, which, when elevated, can lead to secondary brain injury. Chest percussion is a common practice used to treat and prevent pneumonia. Conflicting and limited anecdotal evidence indicates that physical stimulation increases intracranial pressure and should be avoided in patients at risk of intracranial hypertension. ⋯ Mechanical chest percussion may be a safe intervention for nurses to use on neurologically injured patients who are at risk for intracranial hypertension.