{"title":"Streamlining to Zero: Operational Excellence for CAUTI Prevention.","authors":"Jeffrey Bomba, Abigail Hebb","doi":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000582","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000582","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 341 bed Magnet® designated hospital with a 20-bed Silver AACN Beacon awarded medical surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) began to see a rise in their catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in the last two quarters of 2021. Through a quality improvement project, the unit utilized operational excellence to redefine the roles and responsibilities of team members, a defined process for patients with Foley catheters, new visual management cues, and a checking phase to ensure the new process was working. After implementing the new process, the unit has reduced and remained at zero CAUTIs for over 3 years.</p>","PeriodicalId":10789,"journal":{"name":"Critical Care Nursing Quarterly","volume":"48 4","pages":"414-418"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145191302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Natalia Sak-Dankosky, Katarzyna Lis, Tarja Kvist, Bożena Czarkowska-Pączek
{"title":"Individualized Nursing Care and Its Predictors in Intensive Care Units: A Polish Perspective.","authors":"Natalia Sak-Dankosky, Katarzyna Lis, Tarja Kvist, Bożena Czarkowska-Pączek","doi":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000578","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000578","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article reports the results of a cross-sectional study aiming to assess how critical care nurses evaluate and support their patients' individuality and to determine how it changes in relation to different predictors. Data were obtained through an online survey with the ICN-Nurse questionnaire which was administered to a sample of Polish nurses working in a critical care setting. Data analysis included factor analysis, descriptive statistics, and linear model building. The levels of nurses' views on how they support their patients' individuality and for the way nurses perceive the maintenance of patients' individuality were moderate. The significant predictors for higher scores in both outcome measures included fewer years of experience in current unit, higher evaluations of care quality, and greater job satisfaction. Even though individualized care in critical care has been globally recommended, there are still places where it has not been implemented. This study several factors related to work organization and nurse characteristics that may explain why this approach to care remains underutilized. Based on the results, nurses can reflect on how they support the individuality of their patient, as well as acknowledge and address possible barriers to this approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":10789,"journal":{"name":"Critical Care Nursing Quarterly","volume":"48 4","pages":"401-413"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145191137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Current Challenges in the Application of Roy's Adaptation Theory for Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine.","authors":"Mohammed Qutishat","doi":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000575","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000575","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper examines the relevance of Roy's Adaptation Theory within the modern healthcare landscape, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), where the integration of AI and telemedicine presents both opportunities and challenges. Roy's framework categorizes adaptation into four modes: physiological, self-concept, role function, and interdependence, which remain critical in navigating the complexities of critical care. This study emphasizes that while AI technologies can enhance patient monitoring and proactive interventions, they may also contribute to increased anxiety and a potential loss of personal connections essential for emotional support. To address these challenges, this paper advocates for tailored communication strategies that simplify complex medical information and provide training for patients in technology use. Additionally, fostering interdependent relationships through trust-building measures and family involvement is highlighted as essential for improving patient engagement. By integrating robust measurement systems and evaluating the cost-effectiveness of technological implementations, this exploration seeks to reaffirm the importance of Roy's Adaptation Theory, ultimately paving the way for improved health outcomes in an increasingly digital healthcare environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":10789,"journal":{"name":"Critical Care Nursing Quarterly","volume":"48 4","pages":"451-458"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145190934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pairing Spontaneous Awakening and Breathing Trials to Improve Weaning of Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Fatma Refaat Ahmed, Nabeel Al-Yateem, Aram Halimi, Atefe Salimi Akinabadi, Fatemeh Hadavandsiri, Jacqueline Maria Dias, Syed Azizur Rahman, Amina Al-Marzouqi, Aaliyah Momani, Alireza Mosavi Jarrahi, Seyed Saeed Hashemi Nazari, Mitra Zandi, Rawia Gamil, Mohannad Eid Aburuz","doi":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000551","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000551","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This systematic review evaluates the clinical effectiveness of the spontaneous awakening trial (SAT)-spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) protocol in mechanically ventilated sedated patients (MVSPs) within intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: A comprehensive search identified 18 studies involving 12 284 patients from 11 countries. Outcomes included weaning success, mechanical ventilation (MV) duration, sedation time, complications, cognitive impairment, ICU stay length, and mortality. Results: Implementing the ABCDE bundle, particularly the paired SAT-SBT protocol, significantly reduced ventilation and sedation time by nearly 50%. The intervention was associated with decreased medication use, improved patient wakefulness, and higher extubation success rates. The intervention group showed shorter durations of MV, ICU, and hospital stays. Cognitive impairment was less frequent in the intervention group at the 3-month follow-up. Nurse workload was unaffected, and 1-year mortality was lower in the SAT-SBT group. Conclusion: The systematic review supports the clinical effectiveness of the paired SAT-SBT protocol within the ABCDE bundle for MVSPs in ICUs. The protocol improved weaning outcomes, reduced ventilation and sedation time, decreased complications, and shortened durations of MV and ICU stay. The findings underscore the benefits of a comprehensive approach integrating SAT and SBT in managing MVSPs. Further research is needed to optimize intervention timing, address implementation challenges, assess cost-effectiveness, and determine generalizability across diverse patient populations and healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":10789,"journal":{"name":"Critical Care Nursing Quarterly","volume":"48 3","pages":"237-256"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sujith Modugula, Mary Altenbaugh, Milla Ivanova, Tiffany DuMont, Hammad Arshad
{"title":"Sepsis Epidemiology, Definitions, Scoring Systems, and Diagnostic Markers.","authors":"Sujith Modugula, Mary Altenbaugh, Milla Ivanova, Tiffany DuMont, Hammad Arshad","doi":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000570","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000570","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection. It is a major global health concern due to its high morbidity and mortality. This article provides a comprehensive overview of sepsis, focusing on its epidemiology, definitions, scoring systems, and diagnostic markers. The epidemiology section highlights the global burden of sepsis, noting variations in incidence and mortality across different regions and populations. It also discusses the risk factors associated with sepsis, including age, comorbidities, and healthcare-associated exposures. The definitions section traces the evolution of sepsis definitions, emphasizing the current sepsis-3 criteria, which focus on organ dysfunction as a key diagnostic feature. Scoring systems, such as the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and the Quick SOFA (qSOFA) score, are discussed in terms of their components, calculation, and interpretation. The diagnostic markers section details the clinical, laboratory, and microbiological parameters used in sepsis diagnosis, highlighting traditional markers and emerging technologies. The conclusion summarizes the key points and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and adherence to evidence-based guidelines for improving sepsis outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10789,"journal":{"name":"Critical Care Nursing Quarterly","volume":"48 3","pages":"229-236"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Selda Karaveli Çakir, Ozlem Soyer Er, Elmas Yilmaz
{"title":"Improving the Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure Control Management Knowledge of Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Nurses: A Quasi-Experimental Study Pre-Post Test.","authors":"Selda Karaveli Çakir, Ozlem Soyer Er, Elmas Yilmaz","doi":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000562","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000562","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The knowledge level of nurses' endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure control management is important for patient safety. The aim of this study is to assess how the knowledge level of intensive care (ICU) nurses is affected by ETT cuff pressure control training delivered using 2 alternative teaching techniques. The research was conducted with 88 medical and surgical nurses working in ICUs. The nurses in the groups were given education with presentation techniques in line with evidence-based guidelines on ETT cuff pressure control management. In addition to the nurses in the experimental group, 4 one-on-one follow-up visits were made using the demonstration technique. A statistically significant difference was found between the total scores of the knowledge level of ETT cuff pressure control after training in the experimental group and control group (P < .001). It was determined that presentation and demonstration teaching techniques increased the knowledge level of nurses on ETT cuff pressure control management, and the use of demonstration and one-to-one follow-up strategies were most effective.</p>","PeriodicalId":10789,"journal":{"name":"Critical Care Nursing Quarterly","volume":"48 3","pages":"281-291"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Erratum: Developing and Validating a Bundle for Safe Intra-Hospital Transporting of the Critically Ill Patients Mahran, Ghada Shalaby Khalaf PhD; Mekawy, Mimi M. PhD; Abd El-Aziz, Wafaa W. PhD; Ali, Aida F.A. PhD; El Demerdash, Doaa A. PhD; Sayed, Magdy M.M. MD.","authors":"","doi":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000571","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000571","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10789,"journal":{"name":"Critical Care Nursing Quarterly","volume":"48 3","pages":"335"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Masouda Hassan Abd-Elhamid, Murhaf Mohamed Aldugiem, Basma Salameh, Farida Khalil Ibrahim Mohamed, Fadia Ahmed Abdelkader Reshia
{"title":"Complementary Therapies in ICU: The Effect on Aspiration and Physiological Parameters in Mechanically Ventilated Patients.","authors":"Masouda Hassan Abd-Elhamid, Murhaf Mohamed Aldugiem, Basma Salameh, Farida Khalil Ibrahim Mohamed, Fadia Ahmed Abdelkader Reshia","doi":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000566","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000566","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Enteral feeding is a major risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Abdominal massage is believed to reduce residual gastric content, potentially decreasing the incidence of VAP. This study aims to evaluate the effect of abdominal massage as a complementary therapy on aspiration risk and physiological parameters in mechanically ventilated patients. An experimental research design was used. A purposive sample of 60 mechanically ventilated adult patients receiving intermittent nasogastric enteral feeding was selected. Data were collected using the Abdominal Massage Assessment tool. Physiological parameters in the study group were lower than those in the control group after receiving abdominal massage. The study concludes that abdominal massage improves patients' physiological parameters and reduces the incidence of aspiration in enterally fed, mechanically ventilated patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":10789,"journal":{"name":"Critical Care Nursing Quarterly","volume":"48 3","pages":"325-334"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Martin Herrera, Kevin Koch, Jennifer Reynolds, Tiffany DuMont, Tariq Cheema, Valentyna Ivanova
{"title":"Sepsis Care: Cardiovascular Challenges and Solutions for Nurses.","authors":"Martin Herrera, Kevin Koch, Jennifer Reynolds, Tiffany DuMont, Tariq Cheema, Valentyna Ivanova","doi":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000560","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000560","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sepsis and septic shock are two of the most prevalent disease states in today's medical intensive care units. Sepsis is a multi-system inflammatory response to infection that affects multiple organ systems, with the cardiovascular system being one of the most profoundly affected. Inflammatory mediators cause dilatation of the venous system, local tissue perfusion defects cause vasoconstriction of arterioles, and catecholamines cause increases in heart rate. Thus, nurses play a crucial role in assessing these clinical manifestations in the critically ill patient as noted through blood pressure, heart rate, capillary refill, and mentation. Invasive monitoring, such as arterial lines along with laboratory markers of perfusion also contribute to characterization of this clinical picture. Thus, early recognition and intervention are essential to prevent the progression to cardiovascular collapse and death. This article provides practical guidance for nurses in recognizing cardiovascular instability and implementing treatment strategies to help improve patient outcomes in the critical care setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":10789,"journal":{"name":"Critical Care Nursing Quarterly","volume":"48 3","pages":"223-228"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biana Shnayder, Mor R Levi, Paz Kelmer, Zvi R Cohen, Lior Ungar
{"title":"\"Starting on the Right Foot\": An Algorithmic Approach to Facilitate an Improved ICU Admission Process.","authors":"Biana Shnayder, Mor R Levi, Paz Kelmer, Zvi R Cohen, Lior Ungar","doi":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000561","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000561","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We developed a streamlined approach to improve healthcare quality by enhancing the patient admission process to the intensive care unit (ICU). Guided by the SQUIRE (Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence) guidelines, our departmental initiative, \"Starting on the Right Foot,\" was implemented in 3 stages: data collection and problem identification, design and implementation, and regular assessments. To evaluate the impact of this intervention, we compared satisfaction rates before and after implementation. One year following the launch of the initiative, we observed a significant increase in satisfaction among patients' loved ones during ICU admissions. The average satisfaction rating rose from 51.5% prior to the intervention to 81.6% post-implementation (p < .001), underscoring the model's effectiveness in improving the overall critical care experience. This initiative demonstrates the value of a family-centered model that emphasizes communication, empathy, and collaboration, and we advocate for similar approaches to foster a more compassionate, patient-centered environment in healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":10789,"journal":{"name":"Critical Care Nursing Quarterly","volume":"48 3","pages":"274-280"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}