American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
-
Although the effectiveness of communication between nurses and ventilated patients has been identified by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses as an area of concern, there are few reports of research in this area. ⋯ Findings suggest that nurses' perceptions of patients' responsiveness and length of time nurses care for patients will influence nurse-patient interactions. Patterns of interaction suggest that nurses spend more time providing patients with information that the nurses consider important, rather than assessing or responding to patients' needs.
-
Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation is a product of an endeavor begun more than 3 decades ago. First the concept, then applications of inflating a nonthrombogenic balloon within the aorta during diastole were explored. ⋯ Although clinical implementation of both conventional and real timing was introduced in 1968, limited information about these methods of deflation is currently available. This article elucidates the differences between these models and suggests implications for clinical practice and further research.
-
Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
ST segment monitoring with a derived 12-lead electrocardiogram is superior to routine cardiac care unit monitoring.
Prior studies have shown that a derived 12-lead electrocardiogram with a simple electrode configuration is comparable with the standard electrocardiogram for arrhythmia analysis. ⋯ The findings show that derived 12-lead ST monitoring is superior to routine monitoring of leads V1 and II for detecting transient myocardial ischemia. ST monitoring of the derived 12-lead electrocardiogram may identify high-risk patients with unstable angina and provide prognostic information that would not be otherwise available from the usual clinical measures.