The Big Chill: Accidental Hypothermia AJN, American Journal of Nursing, January 2012In this article, the author discusses predisposing conditions, the classic presentation, and the effects of hypothermia on normal thermoregulatory processes; explains how to conduct a systems assessment of the hypothermic patient; and describes crucial management strategies.
QTc Prolongation in the Intensive Care Unit: A Review of Offending Agents AACN Advanced Critical Care, October/December 2011This article reviews the pathophysiology of QT prolongation, nonpharmacologic risk factors, medications commonly used in the intensive care setting that may cause QT prolongation, and how to manage a patient with QT prolongation.
Using Ventilator Waveforms to Identify and Eliminate Double Triggering Nursing2011 Critical Care, November 2011 Patient-ventilator dyssynchrony causes increased work of breathing, increased oxygen consumption, and patient discomfort. Increase your understanding of double triggering, one of the major types of trigger dyssynchrony.
Prone Positioning: Is It Safe and Effective? Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, January/March 2012The use of the prone position has been shown to increase end-expiratory lung volume, alveolar recruitment, and oxygenation in patients with severe hypoxemic and acute respiratory failure. Despite potential complications, utilization of a standardized protocol and a trained and dedicated critical care staff can help ensure that prone positioning is performed safely.
Adherence to Sedation Withdrawal Protocols and Guidelines in Ventilated Patients Clinical Nurse Specialist: The Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice, January/February 2012 The findings described in this article suggest that adherence to sedation withdrawal protocols and guidelines is not good despite perceptions to the contrary. The article delineates potential solutions as suggested by the authors of the reviewed articles and those of the author of this article.