Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.)
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Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.) · Jan 2007
Case ReportsEpidural medications given intravenously may result in death.
Anesthetics, such as bupivacaine, intended for epidural analgesia can cause severe cardio- and neurotoxicity when inadvertently administered via the intravenous route. This article highlights a case report and the dangers associated with the inadvertent administration of an epidural solution intravenously. Multiple system-based strategies for prevention are provided.
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Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.) · Jan 2005
ReviewThe role of the critical care nurse in improving quality of life in ICU survivors.
In ICU survivors, QOL is a dynamic term that identifies to what extent a critical illness has affected one's life. As an outcome measure, QOL has been studied in ICU survivors over the last few years. Researchers suggest that QOL is poor following ICU admission, and identify specific QOL issues that ICU survivors deal with, mostly related to physical functioning. The critical care nurse's role is to better QOL by improving the ICU survivor's transition into the post-ICU period through improved mobility, good management of sedation, pain, sleep and, most importantly, discharge planning.