Implementing a mobility program for ICU patients
More than 5 million patients are admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) every year, with survival rates approaching 80%. But when they leave the ICU, many patients experience muscle weakness…
This special edition of Critical Care Advisor provides you with relevant information that can be used in your practice immediately. American Nurse Journal is committed to delivering authoritative research translated into content that keeps nurses up to date on best practices. Articles are written by nurses…for nurses in all clinical specialties and practice settings. Read on to help maximize patient outcomes.
Critical Care Advisor
"*" indicates required fields
*By submitting your e-mail, you are opting in to receiving information from Healthcom Media and Affiliates. The details, including your email address/mobile number, may be used to keep you informed about future products and services
Critical Care Advisor
What works: An ED goes vertical to improve patient flow and satisfaction
In the midst of unprecedented change in health care, hospitals and emergency departments (EDs) are attempting the impossible — increase both patient volume and satisfaction without increasing the budget. My…
Recognizing acute hyponatremia
Sam Johansen, age 42, is admitted to the medical-surgical unit after 3 days of acute nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea associated with acute abdominal pain. His nurse, Megan, obtains initial…
Managing chest tubes: Air leaks and unplanned tube removal
Once treated only in high-acuity settings, patients with chest tubes now receive care in inpatient medical-surgical floors, outpatient procedural areas (such as interventional radiology), and other settings. More recently, to…
Excessive opioids lead to a close call for a burn patient
Tim Waters, age 28, is admitted to a burn intensive care unit for treatment after a natural gas explosion in his home causes deep partial- and full-thickness burns to 20%…
Responding to a hypertensive crisis
Clifton Jones, an African-American male aged 59, comes to the emergency department (ED) complaining of headache and blurred vision. After the triage nurse measures his blood pressure (BP) at 190/125…
Stroke in a child with sickle cell anemia
Adrienne Johnson, age 5, is admitted to the general pediatric unit. She has sickle cell anemia (hemoglobin SS subtype) and recently was discharged after being hospitalized for acute chest syndrome.…
ICU Diary: The Gift of Care™
As an ICU nurse you’ve probably encountered the critically ill patient who is experiencing hallucinations, delusions, and confusion. Healthcare providers are learning just how detrimental this state of mind can…
Quiz time
Which of the following does not help address issues related to post-intensive care syndrome? a. Diaries kept jointly by family, ICU staff, and physicians b. Post-ICU clinics for patients and…
Continuous renal replacement therapy: Dialysis for critically ill patients
This technique slowly removes wastes and excess plasma water, helping patients recover from their illness.
Shhhhhh! Quiet zone
Nurses play a significant role in helping patients to get the sleep they need.
A new patient-acuity tool promotes equitable nurse-patient assignments
When a 2 acuity rating isn’t truly a 2