Reducing CLABSIs in an Adult Cardiothoracic ICU.

Local Problem: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are associated with increased mortality and costs. In the cardiothoracic ICU (CTICU) of an academic medical center, nine CLABSIs occurred in fiscal year (FY) 2018.

Purpose: The aim of this project was to reduce the CLABSI rate in the CTICU and sustain the results.

Success in Supporting Early Mobility and Exercise in a Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit.

Early mobility contributes to improved patient outcomes and reduced hospital length of stay during acute and intensive care hospitalization. The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool was implemented in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit during participation in a nationwide evidence-based quality improvement initiative. One outcome included a high level of mobility that was sustained over time.

Nursing Management of a Patient With COVID-19 Receiving ECMO: A Case Report.

Introduction: Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been recommended as an effective rescue therapy for select critically ill patients with COVID-19. This case report describes a first experience caring for a patient with COVID-19 who received venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and expands the literature by discussing relevant nursing management and operational considerations.

Clinical Findings: A 46-year-old man presented to a hospital emergency department with pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, anorexia, and chills.

Effect of high-frequency chest wall oscillation versus chest physiotherapy on lung function after lung transplant.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of chest physiotherapy (CPT) and high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) on lung function in lung transplant recipients.

Background: Chest physiotherapy and HFCWO are routinely used after lung transplant to attenuate dyspnea, increase expiratory flow, and improve secretion clearance.

Methods: In a two-group experimental, crossover design with repeated-measures, 45 lung transplant recipients (27 single, 18 bilateral; 64% male; mean age, 57 years) were randomized to receive CPT at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM followed by HFCWO at 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM (n=22) or vice versa (n=23) on postoperative day 3.

CNE article: pain after lung transplant: high-frequency chest wall oscillation vs chest physiotherapy.

Background Chest physiotherapy and high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) are routinely used after lung transplant to facilitate removal of secretions. To date, no studies have been done to investigate which therapy is more comfortable and preferred by lung transplant recipients. Patients who have less pain may mobilize secretions, heal, and recover faster.