Enfermagem em UTI: cuidados essenciais na assistência direta ao paciente / ICU nursing: essential care in direct patient care

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e descrever os cuidados essenciais que os enfermeiros devem ter ao atuar em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica da literatura, com uma abordagem qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória. As buscas foram realizadas PubMed, SciELO, LILACS e BIREME. Resultados: Os cuidados de enfermagem desempenham um papel crucial na recuperação e bem-estar dos pacientes em estado crítico na UTI. As intervenções dos enfermeiros devem ser embasadas em conhecimento científico, empatia e habilidades técnicas avançadas. Discute-se a importância da monitorização rigorosa, controle de infecções, prevenção de complicações da imobilidade, abordagem holística ao paciente e comunicação efetiva na UTI. Conclusão: Conclui-se que os enfermeiros devem basear suas intervenções em conhecimento científico, empatia e habilidades técnicas avançadas, destacando-se a importância da monitorização, controle de infecções, prevenção de complicações da imobilidade, abordagem holística ao paciente e comunicação efetiva na UTI.(AU)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify and describe the essential care that nurses must take when working in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methods: A bibliographical review of the literature was carried out, with a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory approach. The searches were carried out in PubMed, SciELO, LILACS and BIREME. Results: Nursing care plays a crucial role in the recovery and well-being of critically ill patients in the ICU. Nurses' interventions must be based on scientifi c knowledge, empathy and advanced technical skills. The importance of rigorous monitoring, infection control, prevention of immobility complications, a holistic approach to the patient and effective communication in the ICU are discussed. Conclusion: It is concluded that nurses must base their interventions on scientifi c knowledge, empathy and advanced technical skills, highlighting the importance of monitoring, infection control, prevention of immobility complications, a holistic approach to the patient and effective communication in the ICU.(AU)

Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue identifi car y describir los cuidados esenciales que deben tener las enfermeras cuando trabajan en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfi ca de la literatura, con un enfoque cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio. Las búsquedas se realizaron en PubMed, SciELO, LILACS y BIREME. Resultados: Los cuidados de enfermería juegan un papel crucial en la recuperación y el bienestar de los pacientes críticos en la UCI. Las intervenciones de las enfermeras deben basarse en el conocimiento científi co, la empatía y las habilidades técnicas avanzadas. Se discute la importancia de un seguimiento riguroso, el control de infecciones, la prevención de complicaciones de la inmovilidad, un enfoque holístico del paciente y una comunicación efi caz en la UCI. Conclusión: Se concluye que los enfermeros deben basar sus intervenciones en el conocimiento científi co, la empatía y las habilidades técnicas avanzadas, resaltando la importancia del seguimiento, control de infecciones, prevención de complicaciones de la inmovilidad, abordaje holístico del paciente y comunicación efectiva en la UCI.(AU)

A targeted likelihood estimation comparing cefepime and piperacillin/tazobactam in critically ill patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Cefepime and piperacillin/tazobactam are antimicrobials recommended by IDSA/ATS guidelines for the empirical management of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Concerns have been raised about which should be used in clinical practice. This study aims to compare the effect of cefepime and piperacillin/tazobactam in critically ill CAP patients through a targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE). A total of 2026 ICU-admitted patients with CAP were included. Among them, (47%) presented respiratory failure, and (27%) developed septic shock. A total of (68%) received cefepime and (32%) piperacillin/tazobactam-based treatment. After running the TMLE, we found that cefepime and piperacillin/tazobactam-based treatments have comparable 28-day, hospital, and ICU mortality. Additionally, age, PTT, serum potassium and temperature were associated with preferring cefepime over piperacillin/tazobactam (OR 1.14 95% CI [1.01-1.27], p = 0.03), (OR 1.14 95% CI [1.03-1.26], p = 0.009), (OR 1.1 95% CI [1.01-1.22], p = 0.039) and (OR 1.13 95% CI [1.03-1.24], p = 0.014)]. Our study found a similar mortality rate among ICU-admitted CAP patients treated with cefepime and piperacillin/tazobactam. Clinicians may consider factors such as availability and safety profiles when making treatment decisions.

Cell-Free Nuclear and Mitochondrial DNA as Potential Biomarkers for Assessing Sepsis Severity.

Sepsis continues to be a significant public health challenge despite advances in understanding its pathophysiology and management strategies. Therefore, this study evaluated the value of cell-free nuclear DNA (cf-nDNA) and cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) for assessing the severity and prognosis of sepsis. Ninety-four patients were divided into three groups: infection (n = 32), sepsis (n = 30), and septic shock (n = 32). Plasma samples were collected at the time of diagnosis, and cfDNA concentrations were determined by qPCR assay. The results showed that plasma cfDNA levels increased with the severity of the disease. To distinguish between patients with infection and those with sepsis, the biomarker L1PA290 achieved the highest AUC of 0.817 (95% CI: 0.725-0.909), demonstrating a sensitivity of 77.0% and a specificity of 79.3%. When cf-nDNA was combined with the SOFA score, there was a significant improvement in the AUC (0.916 (0.853-0.979)), sensitivity (88.1%), and specificity (80.0%). Moreover, patients admitted to the ICU after being diagnosed with sepsis had significantly higher cf-nDNA concentrations. In patients admitted to the ICU, combining cf-nDNA with the SOFA score yielded an AUC of 0.753 (0.622-0.857), with a sensitivity of 95.2% and a specificity of 50.0%. cfDNA can differentiate between patients with infection and those with sepsis. It can also identify patients who are likely to be admitted to the ICU by predicting those with indications for intensive care, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for sepsis.

Evaluation of oxidative stress level: reactive oxygen species, reduced glutathione, and D-dimer in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19.

Elevated D-dimer levels at hospital admission may also indicate a higher likelihood of progressing to a severe or critical state. This study aimed to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS), non-enzymatic antioxidant reduced glutathione (GSH), and D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients upon admission, examining their association with mortality outcomes. Data was collected from the medical records of 170 patients hospitalized in a referral hospital unit between March 2020 and December 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: the ward bed group (n = 87), comprising 51% with moderate clinical conditions, and the intensive care unit (ICU) group (n = 83), comprising 49% with severe conditions. The mean age was 59.4 years, with a male predominance of 52.4%. The overall death rate was 43%, with 30.6% in the moderate group and 69.4% in the severe group. The average time from symptom onset to hospitalization was 6.42 days. Results showed that non-survivors had high D-dimer and ROS counts, longer ICU stays, and worse saturation levels at admission. In conclusion, elevated ROS and D-dimer levels may contribute to worse outcomes in critically ill patients, potentially serving as specific and sensitive predictors of poor outcomes upon admission.

Atypical cytotoxic lesion and hemorrhagic involvement of the corpus callosum in severe COVID-19 infection.

Introduction/Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a large number of deaths and has caused a significant increase in population morbidity. This viral infection has been associated with different neurological symptoms and complications that do not have a clear pathophysiological mechanism and exact implications for these patients. Case Presentation A 40-year-old man with COVID-19 and co-infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae KPC presented extensive pulmonary involvement and required comprehensive management in the intensive care unit (ICU). During his hospitalization, he developed neurological symptoms with evidence of involvement of the corpus callosum, which was attributed to the cytotoxic lesion of the corpus callosum (CLOCC). After several months of interdisciplinary management in the ICU, there was a progressive improvement in his general condition, with discharge from the hospital without significant sequelae, with follow-up images showing complete involvement of the corpus callosum due to what was considered an atypical cytotoxic lesion of the corpus callosum. Conclusion Imaging features of CLOCCs are known to be temporary, but in the setting of COVID-19, it has not yet been determined if this is true and further studies are needed. Nonetheless, the one-year follow-up of our patient makes us believe that this atypical involvement of the corpus callosum described in severe SARS-CoV-2 infections is not transitory, even if there are no neurologic sequelae.

Artificial intelligence and discrete-event simulation for capacity management of intensive care units during the Covid-19 pandemic: A case study.

The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) into significant operational disruptions. The rapid evolution of this disease, the bed capacity constraints, the wide variety of patient profiles, and the imbalances within health supply chains still represent a challenge for policymakers. This paper aims to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) to support ICU bed capacity management during Covid-19. The proposed approach was validated in a Spanish hospital chain where we initially identified the predictors of ICU admission in Covid-19 patients. Second, we applied Random Forest (RF) to predict ICU admission likelihood using patient data collected in the Emergency Department (ED). Finally, we included the RF outcomes in a DES model to assist decision-makers in evaluating new ICU bed configurations responding to the patient transfer expected from downstream services. The results evidenced that the median bed waiting time declined between 32.42 and 48.03 min after intervention.

ICU Admission Risk Factors for Latinx COVID-19 Patients at a U.S.-Mexico Border Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies have examined the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the primarily Latinx community along the U.S.-Mexico border. This study explores the socioeconomic impacts which contribute to strong predictors of severe COVID-19 complications such as intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization in a primarily Latinx/Hispanic U.S.-Mexico border hospital. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study of 156 patients (≥ 18 years) Latinx/Hispanic patients who were admitted for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection at a U.S.-Mexico border hospital from April 10, 2020, to May 30, 2020. Descriptive statistics of sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities (coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer/lymphoma, current use of immunosuppressive drug therapy, chronic kidney disease/dialysis, or chronic respiratory disease). Multivariate regression models were produced from the most significant variables and factors for ICU admission. RESULTS: Of the 156 hospitalized Latinx patients, 63.5% were male, 84.6% had respiratory failure, and 45% were admitted to the ICU. The average age was 67.2 (± 12.2). Those with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 had a higher frequency of ICU admission. Males had a 4.4 (95% CI 1.58, 12.308) odds of ICU admission (p = 0.0047). Those who developed acute kidney injury (AKI) and BMI 25-29.9 were strong predictors of ICU admission (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0020, respectively). Those with at least one reported comorbidity had 1.98 increased odds (95% CI 1.313, 2.99) of an ICU admission. CONCLUSION: Findings show that age, AKI, and male sex were the strongest predictors of COVID-19 ICU admissions in the primarily Latinx population at the U.S.-Mexico border. These predictors are also likely driven by socioeconomic inequalities which are most apparent in border hospitals.

Laboratory predictors for COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit admissions in Trinidad and Tobago.

Understanding symptoms associated with COVID-19 cases requiring intensive care unit(ICU) attention is important in management of the life-threatening cases of the disease. This study aimed to determine laboratory indicators of ICU admission for COVID-19 patients. For this retrospective chart review study, data from 116 patients(ICU, n = 18, Non-ICU, n = 98) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2, managed at two hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago, from March 12th to April 12th 2020, were analyzed. The median age of non-ICU patients was 59.0(IQR = 23.5) years; ICU patients had a median age of 62.5(IR = 17.5). From univariate analysis, laboratory indicators significantly associated with ICU admission included WBC(P = 0.037), lymphocyte(P = 0.016), LDH(P = 0.002), AST(P = 0.005) and CRP(P = 0.0001). However, multivariate analysis including WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, PLT, AST, LDH, ALT and CRP indicated that only AST was associated with high odds of ICU admission(OR 0.002, 95% CI 0.000-0.004, P = 0.017). Statistically significant AUC were obtained for neutrophil(AUC = 0.704, P = 0.007), CRP (AUC = 0.81, p = 0.00) and LDH(AUC = 0.766, P = 0.00) and AST (AUC = 0.729, P = 0.003). The findings indicate that neutrophils, AST and LDH's ROC curves are good tests, CRP curve is a very good test, but lymphocyte curve is a poor test, in determining COVID-19 patients for ICU admission. Neutrophil, AST, LDH and CRP are suitable predictors of COVID-19 patients that should receive intensive unit care. The study provides significant insights into laboratory parameters that can be used to predict COVID-19 severity and important considerations for healthcare providers in making evidence-based decisions regarding COVID-19 patient management, especially in the context of limited ICU facilities. This study was not funded.

Molecular and epidemiological surveillance of polymyxin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from Brazil with multiple mgrB gene mutations.

The prevalence of polymyxin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae is increasing worldwide. Their emergence is worrisome and limits therapeutic options for severely ill patients. We aimed to investigate the molecular and epidemiological characteristics of polymyxin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae circulating in Brazilian hospitals. Polymyxin-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates from two Brazilian healthcare facilities were characterized phenotypically and subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS). Using the WGS data we determined their sequence type, resistance gene content (resistome), their composition of virulence genes and plasmids. ST11 was the most common (80 %) sequence type among the isolates followed by ST345, ST15 and ST258. A resistome analysis revealed the common presence of blaKPC-2 and less frequently blaSHV-11, blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M-15, and blaOXA-9. Genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, phenicols, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin were also detected. We observed a clonal spread of polymyxin-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates, with polymyxin-resistance associated with various alterations in the mgrB gene including inactivation by an insertion sequence and nonsense point mutations. We additionally identified a novel 78-bp repeat sequence, encoding a MgrB protein with 26 amino acids duplicated in six isolates. This is the first observation of this type of alteration being associated with polymyxin resistance. Our findings demonstrate that mgrB alterations were the most common source of polymyxin-resistance in Brazilian clinical settings. Interestingly, distinct genetic events were identified among clonally related isolates, including a new amino acid alteration. The clinical implications and investigation of the resistance mechanisms is of great importance to patient safety and control of these infections, particularly in long-term care facilities.

Factors associated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation failure in patients with hematological neoplasia and their association with outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) in oncohematological patients is still a matter of debate. AIM: To analyze the rate of noninvasive ventilation failure and the main characteristics associated with this endpoint in oncohematological patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). METHODS: A ventilatory support protocol was developed and implemented before the onset of the study. According to the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio and clinical judgment, patients received supplementary oxygen therapy, NIMV, or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included, average age between 52.1 ± 16 years old; 44 (53.6%) were male. The tested protocol was followed in 95.1% of cases. Six patients (7.3%) received IMV, 59 (89.7%) received NIMV, and 17 (20.7%) received oxygen therapy. ICU mortality rates were significantly higher in the IMV (83.3%) than in the NIMV (49.2%) and oxygen therapy (5.9%) groups (P < 0.001). Among the 59 patients who initially received NIMV, 30 (50.8%) had to eventually be intubated. Higher SOFA score at baseline (1.35 [95% CI = 1.12-2.10], P = 0.007), higher respiratory rate (RR) (1.10 [95% CI = 1.00-1.22], P = 0.048), and sepsis on admission (16.9 [95% CI = 1.93-149.26], P = 0.011) were independently associated with the need of orotracheal intubation among patients initially treated with NIMV. Moreover, NIMV failure was independently associated with ICU (P < 0.001) and hospital mortality (P = 0.049), and mortality between 6 months and 1 year (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The implementation of a NIMV protocol is feasible in patients with hematological neoplasia admitted to the ICU, even though its benefits still remain to be demonstrated. NIMV failure was associated with higher SOFA and RR and more frequent sepsis, and it was also related to poor prognosis.

Preeclampsia y eclampsia en el período gravídico y puerperal en pacientes ingresadas en cuidados intensivos / Preeclampsia and Eclampsia in the Gravid and Puerperal Period in Patients Admitted To Intensive Care

Introducción: La preeclampsia produce proteinuria, edema e hipertensión arterial. La eclampsia aparece luego de la preeclampsia o de forma aguda con convulsiones. Ambos estados suelen producirse hacia el final de la gestación, durante o después del parto. Objetivo: Caracterizar a gestantes o puérperas con preeclampsia-eclampsia, ingresadas en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Método: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y longitudinal, que incluyó 38 pacientes a las que se les realizó examen físico completo, exámenes complementarios de utilidad para su diagnóstico y el índice APACHE II. Resultados: Predominaron las puérperas con preeclampsia y las edades entre 21 a 35 años. Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes encontrados: las edades extremas, antecedentes personales y la nuliparidad. Con una estadía entre 4 y 5 días de ambos grupos, con 100 por ciento de egresos vivos. Conclusiones: Con una estrategia de seguimiento precoz en gestantes y puérperas con riesgo, se puede llegar al diagnóstico de formas graves e incipientes de preeclampsia(AU)

Introduction: Preeclampsia produces proteinuria, edema and arterial hypertension. Eclampsia appears after preeclampsia or acute with seizures. Both states usually occur towards the end of pregnancy, during or after delivery. Objective: To characterize pregnant or puerperal women with preeclampsia-eclampsia, admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Methods: A descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study was concluded, in 38 patients who underwent a complete physical examination, complementary tests useful for their diagnosis and APACHE II index. Results: Puerperal pre-eclampsia predominated. The ages between 21 to 35 years prevailed. The most frequent risk factors found were advanced ages, personal history and nulliparity. The stay ranged between 4 and 5 days in both groups, with 100 percent of live hospital discharges. Conclusions: The early diagnosis of severe and initial forms of preeclampsia is possible with a strategy of early follow-up in pregnant and puerperal women at risks(AU)

Risk factors for acute kidney injury in older adults with critical illness: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) in older adults has not been evaluated systematically. We sought to delineate the determinants of risk for AKI in older compared with younger adults. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized in July 2000 to September 2008. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: We identified all adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit (n=45,655) in a large tertiary-care university hospital system. We excluded patients receiving dialysis or a kidney transplant prior to hospital admission and patients with baseline creatinine levels ≥ 4mg/dL, liver transplantation, indeterminate AKI status, or unknown age, leaving 39,938 patients. PREDICTOR: We collected data for multiple susceptibilities and exposures, including age, sex, race, body mass, comorbid conditions, severity of illness, baseline kidney function, sepsis, and shock. OUTCOMES: We defined AKI according to KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) criteria. We examined susceptibilities and exposures across age strata for impact on the development of AKI. MEASUREMENTS: We calculated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for prediction of AKI across age groups. RESULTS: 25,230 (63.2%) patients were 55 years or older. Overall, 25,120 (62.9%) patients developed AKI (69.2% aged ≥55 years). Examples of risk factors for AKI in the oldest age category (≥75 years) were drugs (vancomycin, aminoglycosides, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories), history of hypertension (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02-1.25), and sepsis (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.68-2.67). Fewer variables remained predictive of AKI as age increased and the model for older patients was less predictive (P<0.001). For the age categories 18 to 54, 55 to 64, 65 to 74, and 75 years or older, AUCs were 0.744 (95% CI, 0.735-0.752), 0.714 (95% CI, 0.702-0.726), 0.706 (95% CI, 0.693-0.718), and 0.673 (95% CI, 0.661-0.685), respectively. LIMITATIONS: Analysis may not apply to non-intensive care unit patients. CONCLUSIONS: The likelihood of developing AKI increases with age; however, the same variables are less predictive for AKI as age increases. Efforts to quantify risk for AKI may be more difficult in older adults.

Contribuciones de la Psicología al manejo interdisciplinario del paciente en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI)

Introducción: Las UCI son altamente estresantes para los pacientes, los familiares y los miembros del equipo de salud. Los temores, la soledad y la pérdida de autonomía son condiciones frecuentes que confrontan a los actores de estas unidades con la vulnerabilidad, el sufrimiento y la muerte. Objetivos: Presentar y argumentar las razones por las que la participación del psicólogo resulta pertinente, relevante e indispensable en el trabajo interdisciplinario dentro de las UCI. Metodología: La evidencia empírica se obtuvo de artículos científicos extraídos de bases de datos especializadas. Resultados: Estar en una UCI es una experiencia altamente estresante y potencialmente traumática, pues los pacientes se enfrentan a situaciones que comprometen la vida y se confrontan con la muerte. Conclusiones: La evidencia sobre la participación del psicólogo en las UCI es escasa. El psicólogo, como estudioso del comportamiento, puede contribuir de manera activa en la evaluación y el manejo del paciente crítico, de su familia y de los miembros del equipo de salud.

Introduction: Intensive Care Units are highly stressful for patients, family and the healthcare team. Fear, loneliness and loss of autonomy are common conditions that confront UCI actors with vulnerability, suffering and death. Objectives: to present and argue the reasons why the psychologist's participation is relevant, important and indispensable in the interdisciplinary work of the ICU. Methodology: the empirical evidence was obtained from scientific articles extracted from specialized databases. Results: Be in the ICU is highly stressful and potentially traumatic because patients are faced with life threatening situations and confronted with death. Conclusions: Evidence on the involvement of psychologists in the ICU is low. The psychologist, as a behavior researcher, can contribute actively in the assessment and handling of critically ill patients, their families and members of the healthcare team.

Caracterización de la morbilidad materna severa en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Characterization of the severe mother morbility in an Intensive Care Unit

Introducción: el ingreso en cuidados intensivos, es un marcador de morbilidad materna extremadamente grave e importante instrumento para reducir la morbi-mortalidad en pacientes obstétricas complicadas. Objetivos: caracterizar la morbilidad materna en cuidados intensivos relacionada con las causas de ingreso...

Introduction: the admission in the intensive care unit is a marker of extremely severe maternal mortality and an important tool to reduce the morbidity and mortality in obstetric patients with complications. Objectives: to characterize the maternal morbidity in an intensive care unit related to the admission causes. Methods: a retrospective study was conducted in 212 mothers admitted in the intensive care unit (icu) of the enrique cabrera: hospital, habana, 2008-2009. data wer4 collected from medical records, the admission diagnosis was taken as the dependent variable. for qualitative variables authors used percentages and chi²-test and for the quantitative ones the t-test, using the statistic spss-11.5 system...

As dimensões do cuidado da enfermeira na unidade de terapia intensiva / The dimensions of nursing care in the intensive care unit

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo desvelar os significados do que é o "cuidado" para enfermeiras que trabalham em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital particular do Paraná. Desenvolveu-se, pois, uma pesquisa empírica de cunho qualitativo com base na perspectiva fenomenológico-existencial. O cenário em que o estudo se desenvolveu foi o Hospital São Lucas da Faculdade Assis Gurgacz - FAG na cidade de Cascavel (PR) e teve, como colaboradoras, seis enfermeiras da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Os depoimentos foram coletados a partir de uma entrevista semi-estruturada, analisados à luz da fenomenologia. A análise dos depoimentos foi baseada na proposta fenomenológica empírica de Amedeo Giorgi, que segue quatro passos: apreender o significado dentro da estrutura global por meio da leitura atenta do conteúdo total, expresso de forma a identificarem-se atributos ou elementos presentes; identificar as unidades de significado dentro da perspectiva da pesquisadora por meio da releitura do texto e transformar as expressões do sujeito em linguagem de pesquisa, para que sejam discriminadas afirmações significativas; refletir intuitivamente para captar aquilo que é significativo nas unidades, tendo sempre a questão norteadora como orientação e por fim, sintetizar todas as unidades pela análise de modo a realizar uma análise compreensiva das descrições. Desse modo, dos discursos emergiram seis categorias: Dimensão do mundo do cuidado, O Cuidar como Encontro com a Finitude, o Estar-Com a Família no Mundo do Cuidado, Cuidar como Trabalho em Equipe, A humanização do cuidado e, Criando a Visibilidade do Cuidado pela Enfermeira da UTI. A abordagem fenomenológica permitiu estar no mundo do cuidar da UTI e perceber que o cotidiano é repleto de complexas e infinitas possibilidades, cujo sentido é dado por quem o vivencia, permitindo uma compreensão dos significados do cuidar para o contexto da enfermagem. Conclui-se que o cuidar em UTI é uma atividade complexa que envolve o gerenciamento e a administração de serviços, bem como a formação continuada, a sistematização de procedimentos e convívio com a dimensão técnica e a tecnologia. Isto gera ambiguidades para o enfermeiro, pois este se depara com um distanciamento do cuidado direto ao paciente, bem como com os ideais trazidos da sua formação. Além disso, o cuidar implica em enfrentar a finitude, em estar-com a família e em trabalho em equipe. Por fim, percebeu-se a necessidade de se discutir a humanização do cuidado e de se refletir sobre a identidade do enfermeiro.

The aim of this research was to uncover the meanings of what is "care" for nurses working in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Paraná. An empirical research based on qualitative existential-phenomenological perspective was developed. The scenario in which the study was carried out was São Lucas Hospital from Faculdade Assis Gurgacz - FAG and had, as cooperators, six nurses from the Intensive Care Unit of that hospital. The testimonies were collected through a semistructured interview and analyzed based on phenomenology. The phenomenological approach allowed us to be in the world of the ICU care, and realize that daily life is full of complex and endless possibilities, which meaning is given by the person who experiences, allowing an understanding of the meanings of caring in nursing context. The statements relied on the model proposed by the empirical phenomenology of Amedeo Giorgi, which follows four steps: understand the meaning within the overall structure by carefully reading the entire contents expressed in order to identify attributes or elements; identify units of meaning within the perspective of the researcher by rereading the text and changing the expressions of the subject to research language so that significant statements are described; think intuitively to express what is significant in the units, taking the research question as guidance, and finally synthesize all units through comprehensive analysis of the descriptions. Six categories rose from the speeches: World dimension of care; care as a joint with finitude; being with family in the world of caring; care as a teamwork; the humanization of care and, creating visibility of care by ICU nurses. It is concluded that ICU care is a complex activity which involves from management and administration services and continuing education to systemizing procedures as well as coping with technical dimension and technology. These create ambiguities for the nurse, who is faced with a distancing from the patient care and the relation of the ideals brought from training. In addition, caring means facing the finitude, being with family and also teamwork. Finally, the humanization of care and the reflection on the identity of the nurse are needed.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia in an adult clinical-surgical intensive care unit of a Brazilian university hospital: incidence, risk factors, etiology, and antibiotic resistance

The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical characteristics, etiology, and resistance to antimicrobial agents, among patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). A case study vs. patients control under mechanical ventilation and hospitalized into clinical-surgical adults ICU of HC-UFU was performed from March/2005 to March/2006. Patients under ventilation for over 48 h were included in the study including 84 with diagnosis of VAP, and 191 without VAP (control group). Laboratory diagnosis was carried out through quantitative microbiological evaluation of tracheal aspirate. The identification of pathogens was performed by classical microbiological tests, and the antibiotics sensitivity spectrum was determined through the CLSI technique. VAP incidence rate over 1,000 days of ventilation was 24.59. The mean (± SD) duration of mechanical ventilation prior to VAP diagnosis was 23.2 ± 17.2 days. By multivariate analysis the risk factors predisposing for VAP were: mechanical ventilation time and mechanical ventilation > seven days, tracheostomy and use of > three antibiotics. Mortality rate was high (32.1 percent) but lower than that of the control group (46.5 percent). Major pathogens were identified in most of patients (95.2 percent) and included: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29 percent), Staphylococcus aureus (26 percent), Enterobacter/Klebsiella/Serratia (19 percent) and Acinetobacter spp. (18 percent), with expressive frequencies of P. aeruginosa (52 percent), S. aureus (65.4 percent) and Enterobacteriaceae (43.7 percent) resistant to imipenem, oxacillin and 3/4 generation cephalosporins, respectively. In conclusion, our observation showed VAPs caused by multiresistant microorganisms, the prescription of > three antibiotics, and mortality with unacceptably high rates. The practice of de-escalation therapy appears to be urgently needed in order to improve the situation.

Ventilação mecânica no Brasil: aspectos epidemiológicos / Mechanical ventilation in Brazil: epidemiological aspects

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Existem poucos estudos epidemiológicos em ventilação mecânica. O objetivo deste estudo foi demonstrar como a ventilação mecânica vem sendo realizada nas UTI brasileiras. MÉTODO: O estudo foi realizado com prevalência de um dia em 40 UTI, com 390 pacientes internados, sendo 217 em ventilação mecânica. Os resultados medidos foram a caracterização dos pacientes ventilados, sua distribuição pelo Brasil, as causas da ventilação mecânica, os principais modos ventilatórios usados, os parâmetros ventilatórios mais importantes e a fase de desmame da ventilação mecânica. RESULTADOS: As medianas da idade dos pacientes ventilados, do escore APACHE II, e do tempo de ventilação mecânica foram, respectivamente, de 66 anos, 20 pontos e 11 dias. A ventilação mecânica foi determinada pela insuficiência respiratória aguda (IRA) em 71 por cento dos pacientes, o coma em 21,2 por cento, a doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica em 5,5 por cento e a doença neuromuscular em 2,3 por cento. A ventilação controlada a volume (VCV) (30 por cento), a ventilação com pressão de suporte (PSV) (29,5 por cento) e a ventilação controlada à pressão (PCV) (18 por cento) foram as mais utilizadas, sendo que no desmame predominou a PSV (63,5 por cento). A mediana do volume corrente foi maior nos pacientes em VCV (8 mL/kg). As medianas de pressão inspiratória máxima (30 cmH2O) e de pressão positiva no fim da expiração (PEEP) (8 cmH2O) foram maiores nos pacientes em PCV. CONCLUSÕES: O predomínio de pacientes ventilados nas UTI foi indicado pela sua maior gravidade clínica e pelo maior tempo de internação. A IRA foi a principal indicação de ventilação mecânica. VCV e PSV ventilaram mais pacientes, sendo a PSV na fase de desmame ventilatório.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are few epidemiological studies in mechanical ventilation, and the aim of the study is to show how this procedure is being used in Brazil. METHODS: A 1-day point prevalence study was performed in 40 ICUs, with 390 patients; 217 of these patients were in mechanical ventilation. The results evaluated were the characteristics of ventilated patients, their distribution in Brazil, the mechanical ventilation's causes, the main ventilatory modes, the more important ventilators settings, and the weaning stage of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: The median age of the ventilated patients was 66 years old. The median APACHE II was 20, while the median time of mechanical ventilation was 11 days. Acute respiratory failure occurred in 71 percent of the patients, coma in 21.2 percent, acute exacerbation of chronic respiratory failure in 5.5 percent, and the neuromuscular disease in 2.3 percent. The volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) (30 percent), the pressure support ventilation (PSV) (29.5 percent), and the pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) (18 percent) were the ventilatory modes most used; the PSV had been the main mode in weaning (63.5 percent). The median of tidal volume (8 mL/kg) was higher in VCV. The median of maximal inspiratory pression (30 cmH2O) and the median of positive end-expiration pressure (PEEP) (8 cmH2O) were higher in PCV. CONCLUSIONS: The predominance of ventilated patients in ICUs was marked by clinical severity of them, and a longer hospital stay time; acute respiratory failure was the principal mechanical ventilation cause; VCV and PSV ventilated more patients, with PSV being more used in weaning patients.

Tradução para o português e validação de um instrumento de medida de carga de trabalho de enfermagem em unidade de terapia intensiva: NURSING ACTIVITIES SCORE (NAS) / Translation to portuguese and validation of a instrument to measure work load of nursing in the intensive care unit (ICU): (NAS)

O presente estudo teve como objetivos traduzir para o português e avaliar as propriedades de medida do Nursing Activities Score (NAS). A finalidade deste instrumento é medir carga de trabalho de enfermagem em UTI. O estudo foi subdividido em duas partes. A primeira composta da tradução do NAS para a língua portuguesa e a segunda, da análise da confiabilidade e validade do instrumento. Após o processo de tradução para a língua portuguesa, foi realizada sua aplicação em uma amostra de 200 pacientes adultos internados em UTIs. A avaliação da confiabilidade do instrumento, feita por meio da repetibilidade entre dois observadores, demonstrou alta concordância (99,8%) e índice Kappa médio de 0,99. Já a análise da consistência interna, verificada pelo coeficiente Alpha de Cronbach revelou que o NAS possui 23 medidas independentes que não comportam consolidação ou redução. O NAS também foi aplicado para as validades de critério (concorrente) e de constructo (convergente). A validade concorrente mostrou correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o TISS-28 e o NAS (r=0,67; p<0,0001), o mesmo ocorrendo quando se utilizou a análise de regressão (R2=94,4%; p<0,0001) Quanto a validade convergente, pela técnica da análise de regressão verificou-se associação estatisticamente significativa entre o NAS e o índice de gravidade SAPS II, quando ao modelo foi inserida a variável idade. (R2=99,8%; p<0,0001). Pelos resultados obtidos, o NAS mostrou-se um instrumento confiável e válido para mensurar carga de trabalho de enfermagem em UTI, na realidade brasileira.

The present study aimed to translate into Portuguese and to evaluate the properties of measure of the Nursing Activities Score (NAS). The purpose of this instrument is to measure work load of nursing in the intensive care unit (ICU). The study was subdivided in two parts. The first composed of translation and cross-cultural adaptation; and second, in the analysis of the reliability and the validity of the instrument. After the process of translation into Portuguese language and cross-cultural adaptation, was carried through its application in 200 adult inpatients in ICUs, in order to get the measure of reliability. At once, this was obtained by the repeatable between two observers by the statistical test of Kappa that demonstrated one high concord (99,8%) and average Kappa of 0,99. At once, the analysis of the internal consistency verified for the Cronbach´s alpha coefficient disclosed that it possess 23 independent measures that do not hold consolidation or reduction. The NAS was also applied for the validities of criterion (competing) and constructo (convergent). The competing validity showed statisticaly significant correlatio between the TISS-28 and NAS (r=0,67; p<0,001), the same occurring when the analysis of regression was used (R2=94,4%; p<0,001). About the convergent validity, by the technique of the regression analysis, it was verified signicant association statisticaly between NAS and the index of gravity SAPS II, when was inserted to the model the changeable age (R2=99,8%, p<0,001). For the gotten results, in the Brazilian reality, the NAS revealed a trustworthy and valid instrument to measure work load of nursing in ICU.