Infection control issues for critical care units: an overview and challenge--physician and nurse perspective.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to E Larson.
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Patients undergoing bone marrow transplant (BMT) are at great risk of infection and sepsis. Long-term central catheters (LTCCs), required for IV therapy, can be a portal of entry for infectious agents. This randomized, prospective study compared two types of catheter dressings in 98 patients undergoing BMT: a dry sterile gauze dressing (DSGD) changed daily and a transparent adherent dressing (TAD) changed every four days. Study outcomes included incidence and severity of local and systemic complications, patient assessment of comfort, and calculation of nursing time. One case of catheter-related infection occurred during the study. No significant differences existed between the two dressings in the incidence of positive skin cultures or local complications with the exception of skin irritation. The TAD caused less skin irritation, was preferred by patients, cost less, and required less nursing time. The findings indicate that TADs provide a safe, comfortable, and cost-effective alternative to DSGDs for patients undergoing BMT and receiving antibiotic support during aplasia.
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Data from a number of studies indicate that patients' understanding and recall of information presented during the informed consent process are poor. The purpose of this survey was to determine patients' attitudes about, desired knowledge of, and involvement in clinical research in a tertiary medical care setting. A self-report questionnaire was completed by 277 patients on the oncology, obstetrics/gynecology, medicine, neurosciences, surgery, and ophthalmology services of a large tertiary care facility. While most respondents had generally positive attitudes about research, relatively few were aware that human subjects approval processes existed or that nurses conducted research. Areas of additional knowledge needed included specific information about purposes of research and risks and benefits. Individuals with higher levels of education appeared more willing to participate in clinical research even when personal benefit was minimal.
In a series of experiments the integrity of vinyl and latex procedure gloves were tested under in-use conditions. Both types of gloves were tested by three methods: watertight (645 samples), bacterial penetration (50), and dye exclusion (90). Results of the watertight test demonstrated visible defects in 4.1% of vinyl and 2.7% in latex gloves. Twenty percent of latex gloves and 34% of vinyl gloves which had passed the watertight test allowed penetration of Serratia marcescens when worn by volunteers. A series of manipulations designed to simulate approximately 15 minutes of clinical activity in an intensive care unit resulted in failure rates as high as 66%. Using the dye penetration test, there was a statistically significant difference between vinyl and latex procedure gloves with full manipulations, with failure rates of 53% and 3%, respectively. Both types of gloves provided some barrier protection. However, latex gloves performed better when stressed.
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Although a number of reports have suggested clinical efficacy of low-dose Ara-C (LoDAC) in the treatment of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), this therapy remains controversial. Clinical trials presently are being conducted to determine the efficacy of LoDAC in these hematologic disorders. Patient education related to self-administration of the agent and monitoring of potential toxicities are primary components of nursing management. It is likely that nurses in acute care, ambulatory, and community settings will be involved in the management of patients receiving this therapy.
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This article describes a systematic method for planning and implementing a program for product evaluation. Steps for the planning process include appointing a centralized, decision-making group, developing an evaluation plan, implementing mechanisms to introduce new products, defining follow-up methods, and developing methods to identify product needs. Steps in the implementation process include initiating product requests, exploring options, evaluating options, and summarizing findings on which to base a final product decision. A tool for product evaluation is presented.
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Since their beginnings in the 1930s, categorical institutes funded for medical research have been controversial. Some individuals in administrative positions, such as the surgeon general, director of National Institutes of Health (NIH), and members of the Department of Health and Human Services, argue that separate institutes add administrative costs and are unnecessary because research can be done better in a less fragmented fashion. Some scientists express concern about intellectual freedom when research directions are legislatively dictated. Proponents of institutes, usually lay people, legislators, or scientists with specific research interests, contend that the problem warrants a national research effort since it is not handled within current structures. Two major foci of nursing research are on disease prevention and on improvement of the quality of care for the acutely and chronically ill, whereas the traditional priorities of NIH for basic research have been disease diagnosis and cure. Therefore, NIH support for nursing research has been negligible. To bring nursing into "the mainstream of scientific investigation," as recommended by a 1983 study conducted by the Institute of Medicine, an Institute of Nursing or an acceptable alternative within NIH seems advisable.