ABSTRACT
This case study presents the inadvertent catheterization of a traumatic hemopneumothorax. A 22-year-old man sustained multiple stab wounds, including the left chest with a resultant hemopneumothorax. Upon arrival at a Level 1 trauma center, an ipsilateral subclavian central catheter was placed, blood was freely aspirated, and because of the patient's critical status, immediately utilized for resuscitation prior to line verification by radiography. A short time later, the catheter was felt to be malpositioned, most likely in the left intrathoracic space, and removed. The patient subsequently recovered and was discharged home 3 days later.
Subject(s)
Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects , Hemopneumothorax/therapy , Thoracic Injuries/therapy , Wounds, Stab/complications , Adult , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/methods , Catheterization, Central Venous/methods , Device Removal , Glasgow Coma Scale , Hemopneumothorax/diagnostic imaging , Hemopneumothorax/etiology , Humans , Injury Severity Score , Male , Patient Discharge , Radiography, Thoracic/methods , Risk Assessment , Thoracic Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Thoracic Injuries/etiology , Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Treatment Outcome , Wounds, Stab/diagnostic imaging , Wounds, Stab/therapyABSTRACT
The rapid expansion of computer-driven technologies into multiple aspects of modern healthcare suggests that many of the important competencies of the 21st century nurse will encompass mastery of computer technology. This is a comprehensive review of the published measures of computer competence during the past 12 years. Essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills were identified and classified. Multiple competency assessment instruments of varying quality were examined. Little agreement was found regarding specific computer-focused competencies necessary for nurses. Taken as a whole, however, there is consensus that the computer-competent nurse possesses a general knowledge and understanding of computer technology, coupled with a positive attitude toward computers and software. In addition, such a nurse is skillful in computer hardware and software use and able to grasp how such technology benefits nursing and the overall healthcare environment.
