Biomedical subjects
M Hibbert
Publications and source records attributed to M Hibbert.
Long term pulmonary consequences of oesophageal atresia with tracheo-oesophageal fistula.
Lung function was studied in 20 children, aged 8-17 years, who had successfully repaired oesophageal atresia with tracheo-oesophageal fistula. Spirometry and plethysmography showed mild restrictive lung disease. Airways obstruction was assessed using maximal expiratory and inspiratory flow-volume loops in air and after breathing a helium-oxygen mixture. Analysis of the flow-volume data demonstrated significant obstruction at the level of the trachea and little evidence of small airways disease. Bronchial hyperreactivity, as assessed by histamine challenge, was present in 22% of subjects. Respiratory and oesophageal symptoms were common, but decreased in frequency with increasing age. The mechanisms involved in the frequent respiratory symptoms these children suffer are discussed in the light of the physiological findings.
Stressors experienced by nurses while caring for organ donors and their families.
OBJECTIVES: To identify the stressors experienced by nurses who care for organ donors and their families. DESIGN: Retrospective, exploratory, descriptive. SETTING: Eastern Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen nurses who worked in a neurologic intensive care unit were interviewed. All had provided care to organ donors. RESULTS: The threat of the patient dying, the inconsistent commitment of physicians to organ donation, and returning to an empty space were frequently mentioned stressors. All nurses felt positive about being involved in the organ donation process. CONCLUSION: To deal with the stressors, nurses recommended more education in the area of grief, crisis interventions, stress, and coping theories. More important, they suggested the need to address their feelings through stress debriefing sessions.