Preventing hypokalemia in critically ill patients.

Background: Many therapies used in critical care cause potassium depletion. Current practice relies on potassium replacement protocols after a patient becomes hypokalemic. Potassium bolus therapy creates risk for patients, is costly, and increases nurses' workload.

Adherence to prescribed exercise and diet regimens two months post-cardiac rehabilitation.

Background: Adherence to diet and exercise regimens significantly limits morbidity and mortality for cardiac patients. Research at six and 12 months post CR program indicates that healthy behaviours learned in CR are not sustained. However, little is known about the extent of adherence in the immediate program completion period.

Factors affecting program completion in phase II cardiac rehabilitation.

Background: Completion of a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program post cardiac disease event promotes successful recovery and subsequent cardiovascular health. Attrition rates for CR programs have been reported as high as 65%. Little is known about the attrition population.

Earplugs improve patients' subjective experience of sleep in critical care.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the effects of earplug use on the subjective experience of sleep for patients in critical care.

Background: The negative effects of noise in critical care include sleep disturbances, increased stress response, and reduced patient satisfaction. The nature of critical care often precludes quiet time protocols.

Patients' perception of monitoring during cardiac rehabilitation: taking the message home.

Graduates of a cardiac rehabilitation program reported they did not use self-monitoring skills at home. This unexpected outcome led to an investigation of the reasons for this lack of use. Results of the study informed program revision including the teaching tool and teaching strategies designed to enhance program effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.

The lived experience of adherence for patients with heart failure.

Background: Nonadherence is the primary cause of hospital readmission for patients with heart failure. While some demographic and social variables are associated with adherence, the identification of these variables does not address the complex problem of adherence. This study explored the lived experience of patients with heart failure as they attempt to adhere to a prescribed regimen of care.

A new view of caring.

Nursing literature claims the concept of caring is central to the profession. Although the literature related to the concept of caring is vast, there is no clear description that allows for teaching and evaluating the concept. This article reviews traditional definitions of caring and offers a clarified definition, as well as a framework for teaching and evaluating caring in nursing practice.