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Biomedical subjects

M Mercer

Publications and source records attributed to M Mercer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Respiratory failure after tracheal extubation in a patient with halo frame cervical spine immobilization--rescue therapy using the Combitube airway.

A 78-yr-old man, with halo frame cervical spine immobilization, suffered rapid respiratory deterioration after tracheal extubation in the intensive care unit. Control of the airway was difficult as bag-valve-mask ventilation was ineffective, tracheal intubation was known to be difficult from management of a previous episode of respiratory failure on the ward, and laryngeal mask insertion proved impossible. Rescue therapy using a Combitube airway is described and discussed.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed1999

Percutaneous tracheostomy in the intensive care unit.

Percutaneous tracheostomy is now established in intensive care practice. However, discussion continues on many aspects of the procedure. This update reviews recent studies of bedside percutaneous tracheostomy, which suggest that the commonly used techniques are safe in terms of short and long-term complications. The introduction of percutaneous tracheostomy into an intensive care unit has training implications, particularly for surgeons. The timing of percutaneous tracheostomy in critically ill patients, and the use of the technique in children remain controversial.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Co-incidental diagnosis of an extradural abscess while siting an extradural catheter for postoperative analgesia.

Extradural abscess is a rare but serious complication of the extradural route of administration of analgesic drugs. We report a case of spontaneous extradural abscess diagnosed during placement of an extradural catheter for analgesia after a negative diagnostic laparotomy. Magnetic resonance imaging is the usual diagnostic tool of choice. This, and subsequent surgery, confirmed the diagnosis suspected after drainage of pus through the Tuohy needle.

Abscess↗
PubMed1997

Tag team parenting of children with cancer.

During their child's treatment period for cancer, parents have identified many needs they experienced (Mercer & Ritchie, 1997). This article describes findings from a subset of those parents who were interviewed in order to determine what resources they believed were necessary to meet their needs. The parents (n = 20), representing families who lived in close proximity to the major children's tertiary hospital as well as families who were distanced from the major center, described resources that included informational, emotional, and instrumental support. Although most parents indicated that information was readily available to them, many parents described a lack of instrumental support, such as respite care or financial assistance. When resources were inadequate, it was often because informal support from family and friends was unavailable. Single parents and parents of children with solid tumors indicated that they had fewer resources. The findings demonstrate the experience of parents during their children's treatment period and indicate the need for identifying family supports early in the treatment period.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1997

Home community cancer care: parents' perspectives.

This article reports on the results of a survey on the needs of parents of children with cancer and explores the needs of the parents, the parents' perceived importance of the needs, and whether the needs have been met. The study was designed to identify any differences in needs between parents whose children received all of their care at the major tertiary center (n = 16) and parents whose children received at least some of their care in their local community (n = 40). There were no significant differences between the two groups. Parents reported that their important needs for information were met, but other needs (financial assistance, time, and rest) were unmet. Findings indicate that health care providers who care for families of children with cancer need to perform careful individual assessments throughout the treatment period.

Adolescent↗