American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Multicenter Study
Association of Lack of Fear of Dying With New Organ Failure: Results of a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study.
Patients' anxiety on intensive care unit (ICU) admission is associated with subsequent deterioration. ⋯ Absence of fear of dying is associated with new organ failure within the first 7 days after ICU admission. Fear of dying may protect against subsequent deterioration by mobilizing patients' homeostatic resources. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02355626.
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Older adults (≥age 65) admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) are profoundly inactive during hospitalization. Older ICU survivors often experience life-changing symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction, physical impairment, and/or psychological distress, which are components of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). ⋯ Post-ICU inactivity may identify older ICU survivors who may be at risk for PICS and may guide future research interventions to mitigate symptom burden.
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Hyperoxemia, often overlooked in critically ill patients, is common and may have adverse consequences. ⋯ Hyperoxemia induced by oxygen therapy was common in critically ill patients and was linked to increased risk of hospital mortality. Health care professionals should be aware of this condition because of its potential risks and unnecessary costs.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Fasting Versus a Heart-Healthy Diet Before Cardiac Catheterization: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Patients undergoing cardiac catheterization are ordered to take nothing by mouth after midnight before their procedure with no evidence to support this practice. ⋯ Allowing patients to eat before elective cardiac catheterization posed no safety risk and benefited patient satisfaction and overall care. The results of this study may help identify best practice for allowing patients to eat before elective procedures using conscious sedation.