The evidence surrounding the topic of therapeutic hypothermia post cardiac arrest is one lathered in potentially advantageous benefits, as well as harmful side effects. Although this procedure has potentially lifesaving and neurologically preserving implications, it does come with various side effects which can be dangerous in general or if left untreated. This paper will first address the many benefits, some of which include prolongation of life, retention of neurological function. It will then shed light upon some of the subsequent risks and harmful effects that are associated with therapeutic hypothermia. Lastly the paper will discuss why or why not the overall benefits outweigh the aggravating factors. Thus, being a topic of much controversy
Depending on the situation, the nurse must recognize the signs and symptoms in order to respond appropriately. But essentially, the goal for ventricular fibrillation is to restore blood flow throughout the body as quickly as possible to prevent damage to the client’s brain and other organs. Therefore, immediate CPR and defibrillation is necessary for the client. And if the CPR is successful, nurse must follow the Current resuscitation guidelines recommend inducing mild hypothermia in comatose adults who experience cardiac arrest. Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of 32°C to 34°C (89.6°F to 93.2°F) (Morrison et al., 2010). Induction should be started as soon as possible after circulation is restored, preferably within 60 minutes, and maintained for 12 to 24 hours (Morrison et al., 2010). The nurse must initiate the application of ice packs in the axilla and groin as well as administration of iced normal saline or lactated ringer’s IV fluids 30 mL/kg until hypothermia is
Treatment of hypothermia focuses on managing and maintaining ABCs, rewarming the patient, correcting dehydration and acidosis, and treating cardiac dysrhythmias.
American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that nearly 700 Americans die each day of sudden cardiac arrest (MI), or 250,000 every year, as many as 50,000 lives could be saved each year if certain critical interventions were made. (Freeman , 50) A patient who receives early life support measures and defibrillation within one to five minutes of arrest is much more likely to live and to retain normal brain function. The brain is often at a serious risk for irreparable brain damage related to anoxia and many other co-morbidities that are associated with cardiac arrest (MI). When a perfusing cardiac rhythm returns after a heart attack, the most important objective is to preserve brain function. The AHA and the Advanced Life Support Task Force of
In one series of tests, victims were put in large tubs of ice to lower their temperatures. Some victims were clothed, others not, some soaked for a long time, others a short time. Another series of tests put subjects naked in the outdoors. During both series, many subjects developed extreme rigor. The doctors measured changes in the victim's’ heart rate, body temperature, muscle reflexes, and other factors. If body temperature fell below 79.7 degrees Fahrenheit, doctors would begin to rewarm the body. Body rewarming techniques included using blankets, heat lamps, andin some cases, bodies of women who were forced to copulate with the
Therapeutic hypothermia, also called targeted temperature management, is a procedure that lowers the body's temperature in order to treat a heart that has suddenly stopped working (cardiac arrest). This procedure is used in emergency situations. During cardiac arrest, the brain cannot get enough oxygen. The brain also starts to swell, which can damage or kill brain cells. Therapeutic hypothermia helps reduce swelling in the brain. It also slows down the body's metabolism and allows the heart and brain to recover.
Purpose: The purpose of this speech is to educate and inform my audience of the risks inherent from unintended hypothermia. I’m eager to alert perioperative staff of the potential dangers as well as the preventative measures that can be taken in order to avoid complications associated with unintended hypothermia. My central idea is hypothermia management saves lives.
Across all of the studies, hypothermia is effective in that ICP was decreased and CPP increased.
He then took samples of urine, blood, and mucous as body temperatures lowered. Through this tortured, Rascher used the data to create the hypothermia treatment called "active rapid rewarming." More than 90 people lost their lives for this medical advancement (Adams).
This paper will be going over a scenario involving a real patient and what things could have been different with EMS care. It will also be covering what exactly cardiac arrest is and what rhythms produce it. And for every cardiac rhythm in cardiac arrest, there is a specific treatment plan paramedics can follow.
The title clearly represents the main topic and population of the study – the changes that occur in medical care when a person is placed on a Do-Not-Resuscitate order and pediatric oncology patients. The abstract capably depicts the problem that is being addressed, the results from the study, and the implications of the study. The methods for gathering data are also included in the abstract. The abstract may benefit from including the limitations of this research study, specifically that this study focused on one hospital; therefore, the results may not be able to be generalized to other populations. Overall, the abstract is written well.
Original research related to sedation management occurred in the year 2000 by Kress, Pohlman, O ' Connor, and Hall. Their findings served as a landmark study and initiated the impetus related to improving our sedation practices. According to Kress et al. (2000), daily interruption of sedation led to a decrease in the number of days on the ventilator in the intensive care unit. Several studies since this time have focused on the influence of sedation protocols, and outcomes. This paper will review the synthesis of the discovered studies and highlight the noted contraindications and inconsistencies. Also, explanations including a preliminary conclusion will be discussed.
The lack or delay in appropriate treatment for individuals who experience a sudden cardiac arrest has created a major public health disparity. Research into pre-hospital treatment and subsequent implementation has historically seen neglect by the medical and scientific community creating vast differences in survivability of cardiac arrests between demographic groups. In 2010, the American Heart Association and Emergency Cardiovascular Care program developed the 2020 impact goal to reduce death from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20% and double out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival rates (http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/121/4/586#sec-1). This has prompted a massive influx of research into the disparities that exist and an
A patient who becomes unresponsive may be experiencing arrhythmia. If a patient has fainted and there is no response immediately notify the physician also provide oxygen. loosen any tight clothing, cover the patient with a blanket for warmth. Once the emergency passes,obtain a set of vital signs and document all activities in the patient's medical
An assessment of the LOC of the patient is vital for an accurate pain assessment and the administration of analgesia, and the subsequent assessment of its efficacy (Rose, et al. 2011). Regular evaluation of a patient’s LOC helps detect the onset of hypothermia and hypovolaemia. Muehlberger, et al. (2010) state that the development of pre-hospital hypothermia is a directly negative