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Septic shock is one of the common causes of hypotension in the ICU. For decades, adrenergic agents with variable alpha- and beta-adrenergic activities have been the mainstay among vasopressor agents. Very few randomized controlled trials have been done that identify the efficacy or superiority of any one particular agent.
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This single-center prospective observational study reveals that the presence of 3 factors (low cough peak flow, high secretion volume, and poor neurologic score per a simple 4-task test) may be useful in predicting extubation failure.
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In surgical and trauma patients, a single oral application of 2 mL chlorhexidine gluconate was successful in reducing oral bacterial growth over a 72-hour period following intubation.
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A large multicenter prospective randomized double-blind trial found no difference in 28-day outcomes for fluid resuscitation with normal saline vs 4% albumin for a heterogeneous ICU population.
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued interpretive guidelines for the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) final rule that took effect last November.
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One of the issues constantly plaguing ED managers is the hidden bed a precious commodity when a crunch is on. But there are a number of methods that can help identify those beds sooner, says Marty Karpiel, FACHE, FHFMA, president of Karpiel Consulting Group in Long Beach, CA.
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Poor communication in the ED can have dire consequences. In fact, poor communication between health care professionals is the root cause of nearly seven of 10 sentinel events, according to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and nowhere is communication more critical than in the ED. According to the Joint Commission, there were a total of nearly 500 sentinel events in 2003 and more than 400 in 2002.
