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Mechanical Ventilatory Support (mechanical + ventilatory_support)

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Medical Sciences100%

Selected Abstracts

Relationship between two anxiety instruments in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 5 2004
Linda L. Chlan PhD RN
Aims., The primary aim of this paper is to discuss the relationship between the Visual Analog Scale-Anxiety (VAS-A) and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. A secondary aim is to provide suggestions for the nurse-researcher to consider when selecting an instrument to measure anxiety. Background., Anxiety is a common experience for critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. It is a challenge, however, for nurse-researcher to select an instrument to measure anxiety that is valid and reliable yet does not cause great response burden for participants. Visual analog scales may reduce response burden, but lack sound validation in research participants receiving mechanical ventilatory support. Methods., This study used a correlational design. A convenience sample of critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support (n = 200) were asked to rate their current level of anxiety on the 20-item Spielberger SAI and a 100-mm VAS-A. Results., Eight participants were unable to complete the Spielberger SAI; 100% completed the VAS-A. The two instruments were found to be significantly correlated at r = 0·50; P = 0·01. Conclusion., The VAS-A was found to be less burdensome for research participants than the Spielberger SAI, resulting in no missing data on the VAS-A. Findings from this study provide initial validation of the VAS-A as a justifiable instrument to measure anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. Researchers are advised to balance reliability and validity properties with response burden when selecting an instrument to measure anxiety in patients with communication challenges and energy limitations. [source]

Regular Tracheostomy Tube Changes to Prevent Formation of Granulation Tissue

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 1 2003
Kathleen Yaremchuk MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis Tracheostomy is a commonly performed operative procedure that has been described since 2000 b.c. The early indications for tracheostomy were for upper airway obstruction, usually occurring in young people as a result of an infectious process. Recently, tracheostomies are more commonly performed in the critically ill patient to assist in long-term ventilatory support. Granulation tissue at the stoma and the trachea has been described as a late complication resulting in bleeding, drainage, and difficulty with maintaining mechanical ventilatory support. Study Design The present report is of an observational study of a newly implemented policy that required regular changing of tracheostomy tubes. Comparable groups of patients were compared before and after this procedural change to document complications. Data collection consisted of chart reviews of all admissions for 1 year before the policy change and the subsequent 2 years. Complication rates were compared using standard statistical techniques. Methods A policy change was instituted that required all tracheostomy tubes to be changed every 2 weeks in conjunction with a detailed evaluation of the tracheostomy stoma. Charts were reviewed the year before the change in policy and in the subsequent 2 years to determine the incidence of granulation tissue requiring operative intervention. Results The number of patients requiring surgical intervention secondary to granulation tissue showed a statistically significant decrease (P = .02). A review of policies and procedures from the six largest hospitals in southeastern Michigan had no recommendations for routine tracheostomy tube changes. Conclusions A policy requiring a routine change of tracheostomy tubes results in fewer complications from granulation tissue. Tracheostomy tube changes to prevent granulation tissue and its complications. [source]

Multiple system atrophy as a cause of upper airway obstruction

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 11 2007
Y. S. Lim
Summary A patient presented to the ear, nose and throat department with inspiratory stridor, dysphagia and a sore throat. Clinical and radiological examination was normal. During induction of anaesthesia for a planned microlaryngoscopy, the patient developed complete upper airway obstruction that was overcome by applying positive pressure via a facepiece until awake. He subsequently developed respiratory failure, requiring mechanical ventilatory support. An elective tracheostomy was inserted for his symptoms. Neurological opinion confirmed the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy with akinetic rigid syndrome. We review this obscure condition and how it may occasionally present to anaesthetists. [source]