American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
-
To examine the effect of abnormal cardiac index on the accuracy of measurement of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry. ⋯ In patients with abnormal cardiac index, the pulse oximeter measurements exceeded the actual oxygen saturation by up to 7%. Pending prospective studies, clinicians should be aware that when certain cardiopulmonary parameters are abnormal, the margin of error in measurements of oxygen saturation obtained with a pulse oximeter may be greater than when those parameters are normal.
-
Intrahospital transportation of critically ill patients can contribute to patients' morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Use of a specially trained ICU transport team can substantially reduce the rate of adverse outcomes generated by the transportation of critically ill patients for specialized radiological procedures.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Instillation of normal saline before suctioning in patients with pulmonary infections: a prospective randomized controlled trial.
To determine the effect of instillation of normal saline before suctioning on oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure in patients with pulmonary infections. ⋯ Instillation of normal saline before suctioning has an adverse effect on oxygen saturation and should not be used routinely in patients receiving mechanical ventilation who have pulmonary infection.
-
Comparative Study
Care activities and outcomes of patients cared for by acute care nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and resident physicians: a comparison.
Little information is available on the practice of acute care nurse practitioners and physician assistants in acute care settings. ⋯ The tasks and activities performed by acute care nurse practitioners and physician assistants are similar to those performed by resident physicians. However, residents treat patients who are sicker and older than those treated by acute care nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Patients' outcomes are similar for both groups of subjects.