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Biomedical subjects

Daria C Ruffolo

Publications and source records attributed to Daria C Ruffolo.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Regional carbon dioxide monitoring: a different look at tissue perfusion.

Adequate tissue oxygenation is one of the main therapeutic goals for the critically ill patient. Until recently, the perfusion status of the critically ill and injured has been assessed by global indices such as blood pressure, heart rate, and urine output. However, these global parameters are inadequate in that they fail to demonstrate the actual perfusion status of a patient. Research has shown the splanchnic region to be a pivotal organ bed in response to shock. Because this region shows early signs of hypoperfusion and hypoxia, its monitoring provides for more effective and complete resuscitation. To that end, gastric tonometry offers a noninvasive means by which early symptoms of low flow can be determined, allowing for optimization of tissue perfusion and patient outcome. The most proximal segment of the gastrointestinal tract offers promising information regarding tissue perfusion with the use of sublingual capnography.

Capnography↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Delayed splenic rupture: understanding the threat.

The spleen is the most commonly injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma and is also frequently injured as a result of penetrating trauma to the left torso or upper abdomen. Most splenic injuries manifest at the moment of injury with symptoms of acute intraperitoneal hemorrhage and shock. Delayed rupture of the spleen after trauma is an unusual outcome but one that exists. In delayed splenic rupture (DSR) there may be an asymptomatic period between initial injury and the appearance of signs of internal hemorrhage. Close evaluation of the degree of splenic injury by utilizing the Splenic Injury Scale as proposed by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), the presence of subcapsular hematoma, pseudocyst, or pseudo aneurysm all must be entertained. It is imperative that the practitioner caring for this population have a working knowledge of the risk factors, diagnostic studies and interventions needed to promptly intervene thus reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with the splenic trauma and subsequent delayed rupture.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Trauma advanced practice nurses: implementing the role.

The need for advanced practice nurses (APN) has expanded over the past several decades as a result of the changing healthcare environment. Increased patient acuity and decreased resident work hours have lead to a need for additional clinical expertise at the bedside. APNs are becoming an integral part of the acute care delivery team in many trauma programs and intensive care units. To date little has been published regarding the role of the APN in Trauma Centers. This article outlines the wide variety of responsibilities and services provided by a select group of nurse practitioners who work in trauma centers throughout the United States.

Acute Disease↗