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While annual respirator fit-testing has proven to be the most controversial element of the recent federal action on TB, a new requirement for medical evaluation of employees also will affect infection control and employee health programs.
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) 1998 respiratory protection standard, which now applies to tuberculosis exposures in health care settings, includes the following general requirements for respirator fit-testing:
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Oral rofecoxib (Vioxx) may have a role in controlling postoperative pain patients undergoing knee surgery.
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Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a supportive life-saving therapy in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In the last decade, the possibility that MV can produce alterations in lungs, namely ventilator-induced lung injury, has been recognized.
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Use of a dedicated medication nurse had no effect on the total number of medication errors based on observations performed in medical, surgical, and mixed medical-surgical units.
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Meta-analysis of published clinical trials showed that a regimen of oral acetylcysteine administration along with hydration reduced the relative risk of developing contrast nephropathy by 56% among patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency.
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Among patients aged 65 or older, 31% were delirious on admission to the ICU, and 70% experienced delirium at some time during their hospitalization.
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In this randomized, multicenter trial, early use of a pulmonary artery catheter in patients with shock, ARDS, or both did not significantly alter mortality or morbidity.
