American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effectiveness of Nursing Interventions to Prevent Dry Eye in Critically Ill Patients.
Critically ill patients are susceptible to the development of dry eye. Few studies have been conducted on how to best prevent and treat this condition. ⋯ In this study, artificial tears gel was superior to liquid artificial tears in preventing the development of dry eye. These results may help nurses deliver evidence-based eye care aimed at reducing the risk of dry eye in critically ill patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Post-Intensive Care Syndrome: Educational Interventions for Parents of Hospitalized Children.
Targeted education to help parents and caregivers recognize the signs and symptoms of post-intensive care syndrome may increase their awareness and willingness to seek support during their child's admission. The optimal strategy for this education has not been established. ⋯ Simple, low-cost education can improve caregivers' knowledge of post-intensive care syndrome and can be well supported by nursing staff. To ensure sustainable implementation, the characteristics of the unit should be considered when selecting an educational program.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation on Myopathy in Intensive Care Patients.
Critical illness polyneuropathy or myopathy is a severe disorder that may adversely affect patients in the intensive care unit, resulting in reduced mobilization, decline in muscle mass, and prolonged recovery periods. ⋯ TENMS had no significant impact on myopathy in the critically ill patients in this study.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Long-Term Effects of Saline Instilled During Endotracheal Suction in Pediatric Intensive Care: A Randomized Trial.
Saline instillation is still used to assist in removal of secretions from endotracheal tubes in some pediatric intensive care units. ⋯ Using no saline was at least as effective as using either 0.225% or 0.9% saline in endotracheal suctioning. The optimal policy may be to routinely use no saline with endotracheal suctioning in children but allow the occasional use of 0.9% saline when secretions are thick.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Collecting Nursing Research Data 24 Hours a Day: Challenges, Lessons, and Recommendations.
Research on many routine nursing interventions requires data collection around the clock each day (24/7). Strategies for implementing and coordinating a study 24/7 are not discussed in the literature, and best practices are needed. ⋯ A nursing clinical trial that requires interventions on a 24/7 basis can be done with thorough planning, staffing, and continuous quality improvement activities.