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Biomedical subjects

Kathleen M Vollman

Publications and source records attributed to Kathleen M Vollman.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Ventilator-associated pneumonia and pressure ulcer prevention as targets for quality improvement in the ICU.

The health care culture must change. Florence Nightingale wrote [8] "deep-rooted and universal is the conviction that to give a medicine is to be doing something, or rather everything and to give air, warmth, cleanliness etc. is to do nothing." Hygiene care practices and mobility activities are fundamental and independent care components in the nursing profession. When implemented using available evidence, they can significantly improve patient outcomes. It is time to claim and demonstrate the importance of consistent delivery of the fundamentals of basic nursing care. Interventional patient hygiene is an effective framework to ensure the the basics of nursing care are consistently applied to improve patient outcomes.

Bed Rest↗
PubMed2004

Prone positioning in the patient who has acute respiratory distress syndrome: the art and science.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a significant contributor to the morbidity and mortality of patients in the ICU. A variety of treatments are used to support the lung of the patient who has ARDS and improve gas exchange during the acute injury phase. It seems, however, that the simple, safe, and noninvasive act of prone positioning of the critically ill patient who has ARDS may improve gas exchange while preventing potential complications of high positive end-expiratory pressure, volutrauma, and oxygen toxicity. This article provides the critical care nurse with the physiologic rationale for use of the prone position, indications and contraindications for use, safe strategies for prone positioning, and care techniques and monitoring methods of the patient who is in the prone position.

Critical Care↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Enhancing presentation skills for the advanced practice nurse: strategies for success.

Professional speaking is a component of the professional practice role of the advanced practice nurse (APN). The skills to communicate effectively to one person or an audience of 100 provide the APN with the essential tools for implementing change, collaborating effectively, presenting information at professional meetings, or communicating the impact of clinical outcomes in the boardroom. Public speaking skills, a professional image, and improved communication can facilitate advancement along any career ladder. The greater your fear, the more self-confidence you will gain by stepping up to a challenge and conquering it. This article describes strategies for organizing and presenting your message in a clear and concise format. Techniques to manage the anxiety produced when attempting to articulate your thoughts is essential for effective communication. Skills for enhancing the delivery of your message through effective body language, professional image, voice modulation, and use of audiovisual aids are addressed. Creative techniques for fielding questions are key in promoting a dynamic closure and provide consistent reinforcement of the key message content.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Elimination of central line-associated bloodstream infections: application of the evidence.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections are considered to be an avoidable complication of care delivery. In addition to considerable morbidity and use of resources, central line-associated bloodstream infections carry an attributable morality between 12% and 25%. The estimated cost per infection is approximately 25,000 US dollars. Research over the last decade has focused on a number of care activities that have been shown to reduce the incidence of bloodstream infections related to central line placement in the critically ill patient. A significant reduction or elimination of central line-associated bloodstream infections can occur with implementation of a comprehensive central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention program that includes staff education, hand hygiene, use of maximal sterile barrier precautions, chlorhexidine gluconate skin antisepsis, avoidance of femoral lines, empowerment of staff to stop the procedure if sterile technique is broken, and daily assessment of the continued need for a central line. This article focuses on strategies for implementing a comprehensive central line-associated bloodstream infections prevention program and a tool and process for defect analysis as part of a statewide collaborative in Michigan.

Catheterization, Central Venous↗