Factors associated with outcomes 3 months after implantable cardioverter defibrillator insertion.

BACKGROUND: Adjustment to living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a dynamic process that varies among individuals. The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of recovery and to examine the relationships among demographic and clinical factors, illness appraisal and coping behaviors, and outcomes of physical and emotional function in the early recovery period of the first 3 months after initial ICD insertion. METHODS: Data were collected in the acute care setting and again at 1 and 3 months after ICD insertion. Subjects were 213 patients (83% men), ages 24-85 (mean 59.6) years. Demographic and clinical variables representing personal and situational factors, illness appraisal, and coping variables were examined using hierarchical multiple-regression analyses to predict outcomes of mood disturbance and functional status. RESULTS: The data revealed that symptoms, illness appraisal, and coping behaviors significantly explained additional variance in both functional status and mood disturbance above that accounted for by the less modifiable demographic and clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms, illness appraisal, and coping behaviors were predictors of outcomes in ICD patients. These factors are modifiable aspects of the recovery process, and interventions aimed at symptom management, appraisal reframing, and coping training should be tested to improve mood and functional outcomes for ICD patients.

Factors affecting the electronic communication of radiological information to an intensive-care unit.

In order to examine communication of radiological information under circumstances where rapid exchange of information was essential, we studied communication of non-routine portable chest radiographs to an intensive-care unit (ICU). Images and reports were available through the usual communication channels and through a PACS workstation in the ICU. Data were obtained to determine how quickly and by what means ICU physicians first viewed images and received radiologists' reports of chest radiographs. Peak information demand occurred within 4 h of the examination. The most rapid means of communication was for the physician to visit the radiology department. Image viewing and report receipt were tightly coupled, usually for images which were first viewed as hard copy. PACS performance suffered from unreliable film digitization and delayed report transcription. Integration of computed radiography and digital dictation into a PACS could markedly reduce the delays in ICU physicians' access to radiological information.

Internal cardioverter defibrillator device discharge: experiences of patients and family members.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to describe sensations, symptoms, and experiences of internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) activations from the perspective of patients and a member of their family. METHODS: A prospective, descriptive study with qualitative and quantitative measures was used. Patients with an ICD returned a device activation form within 24 hours after receiving a shock and both patient and family members participated in interviews at 1, 3, and 6 months after ICD implantation. SAMPLE: Twenty-two patients with ICD (two women, 20 men) between the ages of 24 to 72 years (mean 56.5 years) and one family member per patient participated. Family members ranged in age from 43 to 67 years (mean 52.6 years) and were primarily spouses. RESULTS: The most distressing aspects of receiving a shock were lack of warning, multiple shocks, and progressively increased sensations with multiple shocks. Mean shock intensity was ranked 5.44 on visual analog scale with a range of 0 to 10. The most frequently reported symptoms and sensations were generalized nervousness and terror/fear. Dizziness, general weakness, nausea and vomiting, palpitations, and chest soreness were also noted. IMPLICATIONS: Nursing interventions related to education of patients with an ICD and their families can incorporate knowledge of these experiences to facilitate anticipatory guidance and strengthen preparation of both the patient and family member for ICD device discharge. Further research as device technology evolves is warranted.

Provoking vasodepressor syncope with head-up tilt-table testing.

Head-up tilt testing has proven effective in identifying individuals prone to vasodepressor syncope (VDS). VDS refers to the transient loss of consciousness/cerebral anoxia seen with hypotension produced by autonomic imbalance. In this case, the hypotension is the result of parasympathetic domination. Most episodes appear to be triggered by reduced venous return which stimulates the cardiac mechanoreceptors in the inferior-posterior left ventricle. Once activated, these receptors send out afferent signals along the unmyelinated C of the vagus nerve and cause vasodilation. Once venous return is restored, the usual sympathetic compensations (increased heart rate/force of contraction and vasoconstriction) overcome the parasympathetic domination. A tilt-study allows one to passively tilt the patient up to 40-80 degrees and abruptly reduce venous return in a controlled environment. One can then determine which mechanism will dominate--the usual sympathetic vasoconstriction or the parasympathetic reflex (Bezold-Jarisch)--by frequent observations of blood pressure and ECG. Bradycardia/ventricular standstill may also occur during parasympathetic domination. Once susceptibility to vasodepressor syncope is identified by a tilt study, medications to expand the blood volume and/or minimize venous pooling are often needed. Other drugs to block the parasympathetic pathway and/or the effects of excessive catecholamine levels may also be ordered. Dual chamber pacing may be required for malignant episodes of bradycardia or ventricular standstill.

Advances in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy.

The nursing care of the patient with dilated cardiomyopathy focuses on (1) improving right and left heart function, i.e., titrating vasoactive drugs to maintain acceptable cardiac index with minimum side effects (and/or monitoring the operation of a left ventricular assist device when left heart function is refractory to vasoactive drugs), (2) reducing cardiac filling pressures with diuretics, vasodilators, and/or restriction of dietary sodium, oral and IV fluids, (3) maintaining optimum oxygenation, (4) preventing complications associated with either the disease or treatment, and (5) assisting the patient/family to maintain hope during the often lengthy and crisis-filled wait for a donor heart. The critical care nurse is challenged, often for weeks or months at a time, by the complexity of this patient's physical and emotional needs and functions in a collaborative role with the entire health team in an attempt to maintain both cardiovascular and psychological stability until a donor heart is available.