American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Recommendations on use of neuromuscular blocking agents include using peripheral nerve stimulators to monitor depth of blockade and concomitantly administering sedatives and/or analgesics. ⋯ Small and large facilities differ in concomitant use of analgesics/sedatives and peripheral nerve stimulators. Education and research are needed to ensure that patients receive adequate monitoring and sedation during administration of neuromuscular blocking agents.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Patency of radial arterial catheters.
Data on the influence of flush methods, blood-sampling methods, and site location on the patency of radial arterial catheters used for pressure monitoring are sparse. ⋯ Insertion sites closest to the bend of the wrist increase chances of maintaining patency. Catheters can be maintained with as-needed flushes, and either waste or nonwaste blood sampling can be used.
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Patients in intensive care units are often sleep deprived, yet little research exists on the impact of nursing care on promoting sleep. ⋯ A concentrated effort by staff to reduce environmental stimuli at discrete preset intervals increases the likelihood of sleep during scheduled quiet time in the neurocritical care unit.