American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Infection is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality following cardiac transplantation because of the strict immunosuppressive regimens patients follow. In the immediate postoperative phase, patients are more susceptible to infection because of interruption of their external barriers to infection. ⋯ Fungal, protozoal and herpes simplex infections are also frequently troublesome to the transplant recipient. Critical care clinicians can control the incidence of infection in the cardiac transplant population by initiating measures to maintain external barriers, monitoring the patient for early signs of infection, and instituting appropriate isolation techniques.
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Comparative Study
Pilot study of the relationship between heart rate and ectopy and unrestricted vs restricted visiting hours in the coronary care unit.
To determine the relationship between cardiac performance (as measured by heart rate and ectopy) and unrestricted vs restricted visiting hours in the coronary care unit. ⋯ Consideration should be given to development of unrestricted visiting policies that promote the continuing presence and natural support of the family and significant others for patients in coronary care units.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Evaluation of the effects of heparinized and nonheparinized flush solutions on the patency of arterial pressure monitoring lines: the AACN Thunder Project. By the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
To evaluate the effects of heparinized and nonheparinized flush solutions on the patency of arterial pressure monitoring lines. ⋯ Chances for patency are greatest in men with long femoral lines who receive other anticoagulants or thrombolytics and heparinized flush solutions. Risks of nonpatency are greatest in women with short nonfemoral lines who do not receive other anticoagulants or thrombolytics and have nonheparinized flush solutions.
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Comparative Study
Clinical safety and cost of heparin titration using bedside activated clotting time.
To evaluate the clinical safety of heparin titration and the procedural cost of anticoagulation measurement using bedside low-range activated clotting time. ⋯ These results suggest that titrating heparin therapy based on bedside low-range activated clotting time for the angioplasty patients in this sample was as safe as with activated partial thromboplastin time. Use of bedside low-range activated clotting time saved money for the hospital.