Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.)
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Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.) · Jan 2008
Glycemic control in diabetic and non-diabetic cardiac surgical patients and length of hospital stay.
Maintaining blood glucose levels (BGL) within normoglycemic range has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. However, there is little evidence that maintenance of normoglycemic BGL is beneficial for diabetic and non-diabetic patients who undergo cardiac surgery. ⋯ In this cohort of cardiac surgical patients, pre- and postoperative BGL did not affect LOS.
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Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.) · Jan 2008
ReviewThe importance of routine QT interval measurement in rhythm interpretation.
When monitoring a patient's cardiac rhythm, the QT interval should be routinely measured. A variety of factors can prolong the QT interval such as drug effects, electrolyte imbalances, acute myocardial infarction, and congenital factors. ⋯ One obstacle to the routine measurement of the QT interval is the lack of a standardized and simple approach. The purpose of this article is to detail factors that prolong the QT interval and describe methods used to measure the QT interval.
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Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.) · Jan 2008
Comparative StudyFamily presence during resuscitation: a survey of Canadian critical care nurses' practices and perceptions.
The practice of allowing family members to be present at the bedside during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a controversial one and represents a paradigm shift among health care providers. To date, no research has examined this issue from the perspective of Canadian critical care nurses. ⋯ Although guidelines or policies for FPDR are not available in most hospitals where respondents worked, the majority of critical care nurses support FPDR and either had taken or would be willing to take family members to the bedside during CPR. The willingness of nurses in critical care to support FPDR suggests the need for more formal policies in hospitals and the development of algorithms to facilitate this process.
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Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.) · Jan 2008
ReviewBuilding a successful DCD program: planning and leading change.
In Canada, there is a growing gap between the number of organs donated each year and the number of organs needed for transplant. This gap is forcing health care professionals to re-examine end-of-life care and donation practices. ⋯ Clinical nurse specialist leadership, ethics consultation, partnerships with key physician colleagues and administrators, as well as comprehensive workshops are described as essential for success. Lessons learned throughout are shared.