ABSTRACT
Nontraumatic abdominal pain is a common complaint of adult patients in acute care settings. The causes of abdominal pain are numerous and can be benign or life threatening. The advanced practice nurse must be able to differentiate abdominal pain from acute and nonacute sources so that rapid and effective treatment can be implemented.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Pain/diagnosis , Abdominal Pain/etiology , Abdominal Pain/nursing , Adult , Algorithms , Critical Care , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Nursing AssessmentABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To review the literature addressing complications associated with pulmonary artery catheterization. DATA SOURCE: All pertinent English language articles dealing with complications associated with pulmonary artery catheterization were retrieved from 1979 through 1996. STUDY SELECTION: Articles were chosen for review if the primary objective of the paper was complications associated with pulmonary artery catheterization. DATA EXTRACTION: From the literature selected, information was obtained about frequency and types of complications associated with pulmonary artery catheterization. DATA SYNTHESIS: Complications are grouped into three categories: complications associated with insertion, complications associated with indwelling catheters, and complications that occur during or after removal of the catheter. CONCLUSION: With the introduction of any new technology, there are risks and potential complications. Pulmonary artery catheterization was introduced in 1970 and has not been without complications and controversy. Recent research findings have again led to the discussion of the efficacy and safety of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) use. This article discusses complications associated with pulmonary artery catheterization and makes recommendations for future research and continued safe use of the PAC.
Subject(s)
Catheterization, Swan-Ganz/adverse effects , HumansABSTRACT
Liver transplantation has been an acceptable treatment for end-stage liver disease for many years. The greatest number of patients needing transplantation for survival are those suffering from alcohol-related end-stage liver disease. Throughout the years, many debates and much research have been completed looking at the medical and ethical responsibility to give transplants to these patients. In this article, the author looks at some of the arguments facing transplantation in patients with alcoholism and some of the related research published.
Subject(s)
Ethics, Medical , Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic/surgery , Liver Transplantation , Patient Selection , Health Care Rationing , Humans , Resource Allocation , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
In this article, the experiences of two new acute care nurse practitioners working at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center are described. Included are the experiences they encountered in initiating the role and some of the responsibilities they assumed.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Critical Care , Nurse Practitioners/psychology , HumansABSTRACT
Nurses are seeing more hepatic failure patients in intensive care units. Fluid and electrolyte disturbances, which occur in these patients, can be life-threatening and must be recognized quickly and treated.
Subject(s)
Liver Diseases/complications , Water-Electrolyte Imbalance/etiology , Humans , Water-Electrolyte Imbalance/physiopathology , Water-Electrolyte Imbalance/therapyABSTRACT
Digoxin is frequently prescribed for patients. With a narrow therapeutic window, toxicity can quickly occur. Nurses must quickly recognize dysrhythmias associated with digoxin toxicity to prevent life-threatening situations.
