Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors as adjunctive therapy in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to assess the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) therapy in facilitating cardioversion from persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and maintaining sinus rhythm.

Background: Pharmacologic therapy and electrical cardioversion for AF are often unsuccessful in maintaining long-term sinus rhythm.

Methods: The current study, a 1-year, prospective follow-up, comprised 47 patients with persistent AF undergoing electrical cardioversion.

Assessment of critical care nurses' knowledge of the pulmonary artery catheter. The Pulmonary Artery Catheter Study Group.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge and understanding of the use of the pulmonary artery catheter and interpretation of data derived from it in a group of nurses attending the American Association of Critical Care Nurses' National Teaching Institute conference.

Design: A 37-question multiple choice examination that tested knowledge regarding the use of the pulmonary artery catheter was administered to a group of nurses, attending a national conference, who preregistered for a hemodynamics workshop.

Setting: American Association of Critical Care Nurses' National Teaching Institute Conference, New Orleans, LA, May 1992.