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Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common complication of mechanical ventilation after endotracheal intubation. The role of chlorhexidine and tooth-brushing has been considered as a clinical intervention to reduce infection rates, however, evidence to inform this needs appraising. Aim: This paper presents a critical review on the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and tooth-brushing in decreasing rates of VAP in mechanically ventilated adult patients cared for in intensive care settings. Methods: A literature search was conducted using a number of bibliographic databases ( n = 6). A number of parameters were used to exclude irrelevant papers. A total n = 17 papers were located and accessed, which were directly related to the field. Eight studies that met the criteria and addressed the study aims were reviewed. Findings: CHX was successful in reducing the rate of VAP and using a combination of CHX and colistine resulted in better oropharyngeal decontamination which reduced and delayed VAP. Chlorhexidine was also effective in reducing dental plaque in patients cared for in intensive care and had the potential to reduce nosocomial infections. Results of studies investigating the use of tooth-brushing in reducing VAP incidence proved inconsistent, although all recommend tooth-brushing as important in maintaining good oral hygiene. Conclusions: The use of chlorhexidine has been proven to be of some value in reducing VAP, although may be more effective when used with a solution which targets gram-negative bacteria. Tooth-brushing is recommended in providing a higher standard of oral care to mechanically ventilated patients and reducing VAP when used with chlorhexidine. However, limitations in study design and inconsistency in results suggest that further research is required into the effects of tooth-brushing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to reflect upon the management interventions of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and diuretic therapy that were implemented for a patient admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Acute pulmonary oedema is a serious and life-threatening complication of acute heart failure, particularly if this results from an ischaemic event. Statistics highlight that of those patients treated for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, approximately only one third were alive after 1 year. Many of these patients will require intensive care management in order to restore homeostasis. It is therefore imperative that nurses understand the condition and the relevant management of it in order to maximize the already poor prognosis. Using Driscoll's (2000) reflective model to guide critical thinking, this paper reflects on the management of one patient who was admitted to ICU with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema as a result of heart failure. Although there are many aspects of patient management that can be explored, specific care interventions that this patient received in relation to NIV and diuretic therapy will be considered. The evidence base for their use, together with the relevant nursing management issues, and patient implications will be critically analysed and outlined. This paper identifies that standard therapy for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema is largely supportive and aimed at promoting gaseous exchange. It also highlights that nurses have a key role in ensuring that these essential treatments are as efficacious as possible. By using a reflective analysis approach, this paper highlights how reflecting on practice improves knowledge and understanding of the use of NIV and diuretic therapy interventions and should facilitate nurses working in ICU to become more competent in ensuring that the treatment provided for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema is as successful as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To discuss existing disparity of practice and clinical implications of measuring cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) from differing reference points thus highlighting the need for standardized benchmarks. Background: When managing traumatic brain injury (TBI), the arterial transducer level is a key to an accurate CPP reading; however, there is a lack of national standards about where to zero arterial transducers when monitoring CPP. Methods: A systematized search using the Cochrane library database, Pubmed database, Medline, British Library on line, CINAHL and PROQUEST using key search terms was used to identify articles that could form a basis for a discussion. Papers published between 2000 and 2008 were included. Papers that did not discuss arterial transducer level placement and CPP were excluded. The Brian Trauma Guidelines 2007 were scrutinized for recommendations. Results: Of 57 empirical studies accessed, none reported or explored the placement of the arterial transducer during CPP measurement. Conflicting opinions were identified within the literature and there were no recommendations made for practice within the Brain Trauma Foundation Guidelines 2007. Discussion: At the present time, there is insufficient evidence for recommending standard placement for mean arterial pressure (MAP) measurements for patients with TBI. There are implications to consider as the treatment prescribed will differ depending on where the arterial transducer is placed because the MAP and CPP displayed will fall by 15 mm Hg at a head elevation of 30 degrees. This poses a number of questions: is the CPP underestimated with the arterial transducer placed at head level? Is the CPP overestimated if the transducer is placed at mid axilla level? Recommendations: Further research is recommended. However, studies would be difficult to power as head-injured patients constitute a heterogeneous population. Professional consensus should be applied and standardized benchmarks agreed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background The IO route is an established method of obtaining vascular access in children in acute and emergency situations and is now increasingly being used in adults as an alternative to intravenous access, yet a paucity of evidence exists regarding its use, effectiveness and implementation. Aim and objectives The aim of this literature review is to present a detailed investigation critiquing contemporary practices of intraosseous (IO) vascular access in adult patients. Specific objectives identified led to the exploration of clinical contexts, IO device/s and anatomical sites; education and training requirements; implications and recommendations for emergency health care practice and any requirements for further research. Search strategies An exploratory literature review was undertaken in acknowledgement of the broad and complex nature of the project aim. Five electronic search engines were examined iteratively from June 2013 to February 2014. The search terms were 'intraosseous' and 'adult' which were purposely limited because of the exploratory nature of the review. Studies that met the inclusion criteria of primary research articles with an adult focus were included. Research with a paediatric focus was excluded. Secondary research, reviews, case reports, editorials and opinion papers were excluded. Conclusion IO vascular access is considered an alternative intravascular access route although debate considering the preferred anatomical site is ongoing. Documented practices are only established in pre-hospital and specialist emergency department settings; however, variety exists in policy and actual practice. Achieving insertion competence is relatively uncomplicated following minimal preparation although ongoing skill maintenance is less clear. IO vascular access is associated with minimal complications although pain is a significant issue for the conscious patient especially during fluid administration. Relevance to clinical practice The IO route is clearly a valuable alternative to problematic intravascular access. However, further research, including cost effectiveness reviews, is required to gain clarity of whole acute care approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: To review the pathophysiology, accuracy, effectiveness and use of Licox for brain tissue oxygen monitoring in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Background: The Licox monitoring system allows continuous monitoring of partial pressure of brain tissue oxygen (PbO2), brain tissue temperature and intracranial pressure (ICP). The application and effectiveness of the use of Licox in TBI is not clearly explored within the literature. Inclusion Criteria: A date limit of 1995-2009, English language, all animal and human studies and the following terms were searched: Licox, brain tissue oxygenation, cerebral oxygenation and TBI. MEDLINE database was the primary data source. Exclusion Criteria: All paediatric papers were excluded from the search. Studies not related to pathophysiology and management of TBI and brain tissue oximetry in adults were excluded. Data relevant to the subject under consideration were extracted by three independent clinicians to form a narrative report. Studies were critically evaluated using the NHS Public Health Resource Unit's checklist for each study analysed. Conclusions: Licox offers new insights into cerebral pathology and physiology. The continuous bedside monitoring provides real-time data that can be used to improve patient management and prognosis in specialist units by trained and experienced staff. More research is required to understand the limitations of this technology and why it is not in widespread use. Relevence to Clinical Practice: A clinical tool that could be utilized more often in the right setting to improve care to patients suffering from TBI by disseminating more information on this unique tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]