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An observational study of student nurses' measurement of arterial blood pressure by sphygmomanometry and auscultation.

An observational study was conducted looking at blood pressure measurement, in a mock-clinical situation, by Project 2000 students nearing the end of their Common Foundation Programme. The observation schedule looked for compliance with published guidelines for blood pressure determination. The results indicate little compliance with guidelines. Only 6% of the students allowed the subject to rest for at least 5 minutes before taking the blood pressure and no students checked for extraneous variables such as recent eating or smoking which might affect blood pressure. Cuff placement was generally accurate but the arm was usually held straight and nearly one-third of the students left the arm unsupported. In 44% of the observations, the arm was above or below heart level. Only 5 students obtained an estimate of systolic pressure by palpation before using the stethoscope. A clear terminal digit zero preference was evident in the recorded readings and 16% ended in an odd number. These results suggest that preparing students to be 'knowledgeable doers' in relation to blood pressure measurement may require more detailed preparation and supervised practice in the necessary techniques.

Auscultation↗

Capnography and ventilatory assessment during ambulatory dentoalveolar surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether capnography is a more sensitive monitor than auscultation of breath sounds in detecting ventilatory changes consistent with hypoventilation, obstruction, or apnea and in detecting ventilatory changes that can be associated with oxygen desaturation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five patients received intravenous agents and supplemental oxygen to achieve a state of deep sedation or general anesthesia for removal of impacted third molars. The surgeon/anesthetist monitored respiratory status using a pretracheal stethoscope and direct observation. A blinded observer with no access to the patient or anesthetist monitored respiratory status using capnography. A second observer monitored all respiratory parameters to allow for correlation between clinical and electronic monitors. RESULTS: Ventilatory status was continuously represented by capnogaphy. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed a positive correlation between increased end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) and decreased oxygen saturation that became stronger with greater positive changes in PETCO2. An additive relationship was found between PETCO2 and respiratory rate (RR), with increased PETCO2 and decreased RR contributing to decreased oxygen saturation. CONCLUSION: Patients with nasal ventilatory exchange maintain this exchange throughout the anesthesia so that sampling of nasal PETCO2 is an effective way to monitor ventilatory status. Respiratory depression or obstructive ventilatory changes detected by capnography showed a high sensitivity and low positive predictive value in detecting oxygen desaturation. The current technology does not show a clinically satisfactory correlation between PETCO2 and oxygen saturation. However, a combined increase in PETCO2 and decrease in RR suggested a trend of decreasing oxygen saturation.

Adolescent↗

Wangensteen's transformation of the treatment of intestinal obstruction from empiric craft to scientific discipline.

Dr. Owen Wangensteen, who is considered by many to be the greatest surgical educator of the 20th century, is recognized for his revolutionary studies of intestinal obstruction. He defined the criteria for the early diagnosis of intestinal obstruction with the aid of a stethoscope and X-ray examination. Moreover, be discovered that suction through a nasal catheter extended to the stomach could relieve the distention by gas as effectively as enterostomy. In his innovative studies, Dr. Wangensteen reduced the mortality from intestinal obstruction from more than 60% to 5%.

General Surgery↗

An aid to blind nasal intubation.

Blind nasal intubation remains an important technique in the management of the difficult airway. Many aids to this technique have been described, but unfortunately, these often require additional expense, training, and equipment. Methods that involve listening at the end of the endotracheal tube and observing moisture condensation in the tube are relatively insensitive and may expose the operator to the patient's bodily fluids. Our aim was to devise an aid to blind nasal intubation that was effective, inexpensive, simple to learn, and easy to assemble. It is essential that breath sounds can be monitored through the endotracheal tube, as it is felt that this helps to minimize retropharyngeal perforation caused by the tube abutting the posterior pharyngeal wall. We describe the use of an endotracheal tube stethoscope in conjunction with either 'inline' or 'sidestream' capnometry and present a case of successful nasotracheal intubation using this device. The total cost of this aid is less than $10 Australian.

Accidents, Traffic↗

[Aortic flow measurement by transesophageal Doppler effect].

Continuous measurement of cardiac output by thermodilution is invasive, impractical and unpleasant for the patient. We propose to measure descending aortic blood flow with a specially designed intra-oesophageal Doppler echo probe. The apparatus is composed of two main parts. First an A scan system makes possible the measurement of the diameter of the vessel, second a continuous wave velocimeter is used to measure the spatial mean velocity of the blood. An output calculator determines the descending aortic blood flow. The oesophageal catheter contains three ultrasonic transducers at its tip mounted on an epoxy resin bracket produced by moulding. They are connected to a flexible hose placed inside a flexible polyvinyl sheath whose outer diameter is 6.8 mm and length is 50 cm. A cylindrical latex balloon is mounted on this sheath which is water inflated to minimum pressure, ensuring a good ultrasonic coupling between the transducers and the oesophageal wall. Connection between the probe and the apparatus is made by three coaxial cables. Three isolator-transformers are built into the connector cable to ensure a safe electrical circuit. After having bled the probe of any air, the balloon is deflated. The probe is gently introduced into the oesophagus by nasal or oral route until the transducers are situated between the 5th and 6th vertebra. The balloon is then inflated to minimum pressure with 10 ml of distilled water contained in a syringe. To find the aorta, the velocimeter is first used like a Doppler stethoscope. The probe is rotated into a position corresponding to the maximum level of Doppler signal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Accuracy of blood pressure measurement and anthropometry among volunteer observers in a large community survey.

The Busselton Survey is a population survey that is held about every three years. In 1994-1995 a re-survey was held of all past participants and 8,502 attended. Financial constraints precluded employing staff for data collection for blood pressure and anthropometry, these therefore were collected by unpaid lay volunteers. Quality control by a health professional was critical to the assessment and maintenance of accuracy in these measurements. For blood pressure three readings were taken simultaneously by a quality control person and the volunteer using a dual stethoscope. Duplicate anthropometric measurements were taken by a criterion anthropometrist and the volunteer. Inter and intra-observer technical errors of measurement (TEM) were calculated. Sixty-two volunteers were trained to take BP measurements; of these, 38 collected data, and 63 were trained in anthropometry; of these, 30 were suitable as measurers. Training was conducted on a group and individual basis by the quality assurance person for the study both in the Perth metropolitan area and rural Busselton. The TEM for SBP was 1.6 mm Hg (SD 1.0 mm Hg) and 1.5 mm Hg (SD 0.8) for DBP. For skin-folds intra-observer TEM ranged from 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm. Between-observer TEM ranged from 2.1 mm to 5.4 mm. For limb and waist circumferences, intra-observer TEM ranged from 0.3 cm to 1.6 cm. Between-observer TEM for circumferences ranged from 0.5 cm to 1.9 cm. Unpaid volunteer measurers can, if carefully trained and supervised, provide acceptable blood pressure data and anthropometry in large population surveys.

Anthropometry↗

The forgotten Korotkoff phases: how often are phases II and III Present, and how do they relate to the other Korotkoff phases?

BACKGROUND: There are no data on the pattern of the Korotkoff phases in the normal population. This study was designed to describe the pattern of Korotkoff phase distribution in adults and children; to measure the duration of each of the phases; and to describe the differences between adults and children. METHODS: A total of 57 children (7 to 8 years old) and 59 adults (median age 47 years, range 30 to 62 years) were studied. The pressure in the arm cuff was deflated using a device to provide a consistent deflation rate. The Korotkoff sounds were recorded to MiniDisc from the bell of a stethoscope and each sound described as phase I, II, III, or IV. RESULTS: The most common pattern of Korotkoff phase distribution was for all five phases to be present (children [23/57; 40%], adults [24/59; 41%]). Phases I and IV were more common in children than in adults (56/57 [98%] v 47/59 [80%]; P = .002 for phase I; 52/57 [91%] v 44/59 [75%]; P = .018 for phase IV). Phases II and III were less common in children than in adults (32/57 [56%] v 50/59 [85%], P = .001 for phase II; 27/57 [47%] v 45/59 [76%], P = .001 for phase III). Phases I and IV were longer in children (median 3.9 [interquartile range, IQR 2.1 to 6.7] and 6.7 [IQR 3.2 to 9.8] sec, respectively) compared with adults (1.3 [IQR 0.7 to 2.7] and 1.7 [IQR 0.3 to 2.6), P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: There are clear differences in the Korotkoff phases between adults and children. The length of phases II and III increase with age with concomitant decrease in phases I and IV. These differences between adults and children remain unexplained.

Adult↗

Accuracy of a new wrist cuff oscillometric blood pressure device: comparisons with intraarterial and mercury manometer measurements.

Accurate measurement of arterial blood pressure is of great importance for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Because of the chronic nature of antihypertensive drug therapy, the involvement of the patient in blood pressure control is desirable. Such an involvement, however, is only feasible if simple, user-friendly, and precise blood pressure measurement devices are available. In this study we tested a new wrist cuff oscillometric blood pressure measurement device in 100 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Blood pressures were simultaneously taken intraarterially (axillary artery) and with a mercury manometer and stethoscope or noninvasive measurement device (OMRON R3). Intraarterial measurements were directly compared with two measurements taken in random order with either an arm cuff mercury manometer or the wrist cuff device. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure as assessed with the mercury manometer was higher, especially when compared with the intraarterial and the wrist cuff values, which were comparable. Correlations of blood pressure values with intraarterial measurement were 0.86 systolic and 0.75 diastolic (P < .01) for the wrist cuff and 0.84 systolic (P < .01) and 0.59 diastolic (P < .05) for the mercury manometer measurements. Reproducibility of both measurements was good for the wrist cuff device ([systolic/diastolic]: r = 0.94/0.92; P < .01) and the mercury manometer (r = 0.97/0.88; P < .01). Both methods overestimated high diastolic values, whereas only the wrist cuff underestimated high systolic values. Thus, the new oscillometric wrist cuff blood pressure measurement device measures arterial blood pressure with great accuracy and reproducibility. As compared with intraarterial values, the wrist cuff device overestimated high diastolic and underestimated high systolic blood pressure values. Blood pressure values as measured by the mercury manometer were higher than intraarterial values and those of the wrist cuff. Both noninvasive devices overestimated high diastolic values.

Blood Pressure Determination↗

Collateral compensation of severe carotid stenosis.

In 516 patients who had endarterectomies for unilateral severe carotid stenoses, arteriography demonstrated no contralateral severe stenoses or occlusions. Pre and postoperative ocular pneumoplethysmography (OPG-Gee) measured simultaneous bilateral ophthalmic systolic pressures (OSP). Immediately after each OPG test a brachial systolic pressure (BSP) was measured with a stethoscope, cuff and manometer. Bilateral ophthalmobrachial systolic pressure (OBSP) indices were calculated from the three pressures measured with the combined testing. Analysis of these OBSP data indicates that the severe stenoses were relatively well compensated in 314 of the 516 patients (61%) whereas there was limited collateral compensation in the remaining 202 patients (39%). The data also suggest that the latter group incurs a greater element of compensatory central hypertension, which is reversed by carotid endarterectomy.

Blood Pressure↗

Tracheal wheezes during methacholine airway challenge (MAC) in workers exposed to occupational hazards.

Methacholine airway challenge (MAC) is a simple and useful means to assess bronchial hyperreactivity in workers exposed to various occupational hazards. Recently, wheeze detection by tracheal auscultation has been proposed as an indicator of bronchial responsiveness during bronchial provocation test in children. Our aim was to examine the relationship between the appearance of wheezes and the concurrent changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) observed during MAC test in adults. Three cumulative doses of a methacholine solution (100 micrograms, 500 micrograms and 1500 micrograms) were inhaled by 45 workers with occupational exposure to flour dust. Spirometry was done using an electronic spirometer. Tracheal sounds were recorded with an electronic stethoscope placed over the anterior cervical triangle, 2 cm above the sternal notch. The amplified sounds were stored on magnetic tape, band-pass filtered (50-2000 Hz), and digitized at a sampling rate of 4096 Hz into a GenRad Vibration Control System. Wheezes were detected by fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis and their presence compared to a 20% fall in FEV1. A positive MAC test by spirometry was found in 12 subjects whereas wheezes were identified in 14 subjects. Among the wheezing subjects, nine had a positive MAC test (range of fall in FEV1 = 20.6 to 42.3%) and five had a negative one (range of fall in FEV1 = 3.6 to 16.9%). Moreover, no wheezes were found in the remaining three subjects with a positive MAC test (range of fall in FEV1 = 20.7 to 27.4%). Taking a 20% fall in FEV1 as reference, wheezes were 75% sensitive and 84.8% specific to detect airflow obstruction. In conclusion, since it carries a significant although small false-negative rate, the acoustic technique based upon wheeze detection cannot, at the present time, fully replace spirometry during airway challenge testing in subjects with suspected asthma.

Adult↗

A new accurate, rapid and cost-effective protocol for stroke-prevention screening.

The three immediate causes of stroke are cervical carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation and hypertension. Recognition and appropriate management of these causes can prevent the majority of strokes they would have caused. The purpose of this study was to develop a new protocol for screening for these causes that is more accurate, rapid and cost effective than existing protocols. In this protocol, rather than relying on auscultation with a stethoscope, the carotid artery was screened with a newly developed and more accurate quick color image scan ultrasound technique and a lead 2 EKG rhythm strip was used to find atrial fibrillation. The focus in this protocol was on the rapid detection of the three immediate causes of stroke and did not include a lengthy questionnaire or long counseling. A cholesterol determination was not included and there was little or no cost to the participants. In stroke screening trials of the new protocol at two institutions, 176 participants were screened at a rate of one every 2.7 minutes. There were 26 with > 50% carotid stenosis, 16 with previously unknown cardiac arrhythmias and 104 had hypertension. It was concluded that this protocol provides an accurate, rapid and cost-effective means of screening for the three immediate causes of stroke and can on broad application result in significant stroke reduction.

Adult↗

Transesophageal atrial pacing (TAP) for sinus bradycardia during coronary artery bypass grafting: comparison of TAP to intermittent bolus gallamine.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative efficacy of a pacing esophageal stethoscope and intermittent boluses (40 mg) of gallamine in correcting sinus bradycardia (SB) during coronary artery surgery. DESIGN: The study was prospective, randomized, and controlled. SETTING: A community hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty patients scheduled for elective coronary artery surgery. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were randomly allocated to receive treatment for an SB (less than 60 BPM) with either transesophageal atrial pacing (TAP) or gallamine. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Heart rate, blood pressure, and systemic hemodynamics were measured. The electrocardiogram was monitored for rate, rhythm, and conduction abnormalities. Twenty-four of the 25 TAP patients could be paced at a rate of 70 BPM after SB. Cardiac index increased from 1.90 to 2.56 L/min/m2. In the gallamine group, heart rate was increased from 50 to 66 BPM, but cardiac index only increased to 2.2 L/min/m2, and 2 patients developed nodal rhythms. Eight of these patients had peak heart rates over 80 BPM, and two were over 90 BPM. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to reliably and precisely control heart rate was superior with TAP compared with intermittent bolus dosing with gallamine.

Arrhythmia, Sinus↗

Telemedicine: a solution to the followup of rural trauma patients?

BACKGROUND: Outpatient followup of rural trauma patients is problematic for physicians and patients. Our hypothesis was that telemedicine-based followup of trauma patients discharged to remote areas is feasible and is associated with high patient and physician satisfaction. STUDY DESIGN: We chose 11 counties in Kentucky surrounding a remote telemedicine site as our region of interest. Any adult trauma patient who was discharged from our Level I trauma center to this geographic region was eligible to have routine followup appointment(s) at the TeleTrauma Clinic. Patients were examined and interviewed with the assistance of a nurse, an electronic stethoscope, and a close-up imaging instrument. Radiographs performed at the telemedicine site were viewed. Patients and physicians completed a survey after the appointment. RESULTS: To date, we have conducted 22 telemedicine-based followup assessments of trauma patients. The average age and Injury Severity Score were 42 years and 18, respectively. Plain radiographs were reviewed in 13 cases. Our patient surveys indicated a high degree of satisfaction with the teleappointment. In 15 of 22 patients, no further clinical followup was arranged. The differences in travel distances and times for an appointment at the TeleTrauma Clinic versus an appointment at our Level I trauma center were significant. The average and median duration of the appointments was 14 minutes. All telemedicine encounters were done by two physicians, who recorded a high level of satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Our early experience with the outpatient followup of remote trauma victims by telemedicine is encouraging. Patient surveys indicate a high degree of satisfaction. As a result of our favorable experience, telemedicine-based followup may be expanded to other regions of Kentucky.

Adolescent↗

The etiology, frequency, and prevention of gas embolism during CO(2) hysteroscopy.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency of clinically apparent and undetected cardiopulmonary emboli during diagnostic CO(2) hysteroscopy, to determine the causes of these events, and to define a risk profile. DESIGN: Retrospective and prospective case study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Obstetric-gynecologic clinic of an academic teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Five thousand one hundred ninety-three women. INTERVENTION: Diagnostic CO(2) hysteroscopy performed between September 1990 and December 1998. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: From September 1990 to December 1996, 1 (0.03%) severe but nonfatal embolism occurred in 3932 diagnostic CO(2) hysteroscopies. Undetected emboli were present in 20 patients (0.51%). Starting in January 1997 the gas supply tube (volume 40 ml) was deaerated before the procedures, and no emboli occurred in the next 1261 examinations up to December 1998. The decrease in frequency was statistically significant (p = 0.009). No pathologic flow sounds were found in any of 50 hysteroscopies monitored by Doppler stethoscope. CONCLUSION: A manifest gas embolism is rare in diagnostic CO(2) hysteroscopy. The 10% to 50% frequency of undetected gas emboli cited by other authors could not be confirmed. If the supply tube system that holds room air is purged with CO(2) before the procedure, the already low risk drops to zero or almost zero, confirming the theory that emboli that occur during CO(2) hysteroscopy are caused by room air.

Adult↗

Teaching basic EMTs endotracheal intubation: can basic EMTs discriminate between endotracheal and esophageal intubation?

HYPOTHESIS: Advanced airway intervention techniques are being considered for use by basic emergency medical technicians (EMTs). It was hypothesized that basic EMTs would be able to discriminate reliably between intratracheal and esophageal endotracheal tube placement in a mannequin model. DESIGN: An airway mannequin with a closed chest cavity was intubated randomly either esophageally or tracheally, and the cuff was inflated. A stethoscope, bag ventilator, and laryngoscope were available next to the mannequin. Placement was assessed by auscultation or direct visualization at the discretion of the EMT. A blinded investigator graded the student. SETTING: A classroom in a large, urban medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects were basic EMTs who volunteered to take part after the conclusion of a six-hour endotracheal intubation training course. RESULTS: Thirty-three subjects were tested. Seventeen of 18 (94%) tracheal intubations and 11 of 15 (73%) esophageal intubations were identified correctly. Only 72% of the students listened to the epigastrium, 81% listened to the lungs, and 85% attempted ventilation. The 10 students who visualized the cords discovered all five esophageal intubations. The 23 students who did not visualize the cords missed four and found six esophageal intubations. CONCLUSION: Basic EMTs had difficulty assessing endotracheal tube placement in a mannequin model. The 27% miss rate for identifying esophageal intubations suggests that basic EMTs will require additional training for safe field use of any airway that requires assessment of tube placement.

Auscultation↗

Comparison of a prototype esophageal oximetry probe with two conventional digital pulse oximetry monitors in aortocoronary bypass patients.

OBJECTIVE: Pulse oximetry (SpO2) is the non-invasive standard for monitoring arterial oxygen saturation in patients undergoing anesthesia, but is subject to external interference by motion artifact, peripheral vasoconstriction, and low cardiac output. We hypothesized that oximetry signals could be acquired from the esophagus when peripheral pulse oximetry is unobtainable. Therefore, we tested an esophageal stethoscope which incorporates transverse oximetry photodetectors and emitters in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. METHODS: Immediately after induction of general anesthesia in 10 coronary artery bypass (CABG) patients, Criticare and Nellcor digital probes were positioned on the left hand, concurrent with placement of an esophageal SpO2 probe. A computer recorded 5,910 matched oximetry signals every 15 sec during an average of 2.5 hrs. All SpO2 measurements were before, and immediately after non-pulsatile, hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Data represent the percentage (median value [range]) of the total monitored time that a SpO2 value was displayed. RESULTS: The Nellcor (99.8%, range 6.5-100%) and Criticare (99.7%, range 36.6-100%) acquired and displayed saturation signals more frequently (p = 0.003) than the esophageal monitor (75.3%, range 42.1-95.8%). The two standard digital oximeters had a mean difference of 0.9%, with a standard deviation of the differences of 0.9. The esophageal probe had a mean difference of -5.2% and -4.8%, with standard deviation of differences of 8.0 and 7.7 (compared to the Nellcor and Criticare monitors, respectively). A second-generation prototype shielded from electrocautery interference was tested in an additional 4 patients. The shielded prototype displayed signals more frequently (96.7%, range 68.4-100%) than the original esophageal prototype. CONCLUSIONS: Digital pulse oximetry failure is common in CABG patients, probably because of marginal cardiac output and peripheral vasoconstriction associated with hypothermia. Our study could not confirm that esophageal technology, which utilizes the esophagus as a site of transflectance oximetry, was superior to conventional digital pulse oximetry.

Adult↗

Two-dimensional positional mapping of gastrointestinal sounds in control and functional bowel syndrome patients.

Computerized auscultation of the abdomen provides a noninvasive and quantitative method to investigate gastrointestinal function. Two-dimensional mapping of bowel sound sites of origin, to the surface of the abdomen, was accomplished through simultaneous recording with three electronic stethoscopes. Control, irritable bowel syndrome, and nonulcer dyspepsia groups were studied. The predominant site of fasting sound production was the right lower quadrant in all except a subgroup of nonucler dyspepsia patients. The second most common site mapped to the area of the stomach. The region mapping to the small intestine was largely devoid of sound. The control group had a higher percentage of sounds in the 184- to 248-Hz range than the functional bowel patients (P < 0.001) for sounds mapping to the stomach region. We conclude that two-dimensional mapping may have the potential to allow for the meaningful and objective categorization of groups of functional bowel patients.

Adult↗

Computerized auscultation applied to irritable bowel syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of a computerized auscultation method for providing an objective, quantitative measure characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome. Bowel sounds from irritable bowel patients and normal controls were digitized using an electronic stethoscope. Computerized analysis indicated that the character of the bowel sounds did not differ significantly between groups. However, the fasting sound-to-sound interval was significantly different between groups (1931 +/- 365 msec for normals and 452 +/- 35 msec for the irritable bowel group; P = 0.0001). Using the sound-to-sound interval as a test for irritable bowel syndrome, the cutoff value of 640 msec resulted in a sensitivity of 89%, and a specificity of 100%. We conclude that computerized analysis of bowel sounds has the potential to be a noninvasive, quantitative, and objective test providing positive criteria in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.

Auscultation↗