Intra-abdominal Hypertension and the Open Abdomen: Nursing Guidelines From the Abdominal Compartment Society.

Intra-abdominal hypertension has been identified as an independent risk factor for death in critically ill patients. Known risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension indicate that intra-abdominal pressures should be measured and monitored. The Abdominal Compartment Society has identified medical and surgical interventions to relieve intra-abdominal hypertension or to manage the open abdomen if abdominal compartment syndrome occurs. The purpose of this article is to describe assessments and interventions for managing intra-abdominal hypertension and open abdomen that are within the scope of practice for direct-care nurses. These guidelines provide direction to critical care nurses caring for these patients.

Nursing Assessment of Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in the Neonate.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal compartment syndrome in the surgical neonate is a low-frequency, high-risk occurrence that if overlooked is often accompanied with long-term sequelae and sometimes death. The importance of early detection of signs and symptoms through expert nursing assessment cannot be overstated. PURPOSE: To review the components of nursing assessment as it applies to detection of abdominal compartment syndrome in the surgical neonate and its relationship to the pathophysiology. METHODS/SEARCH STRATEGY: Detailed search of the nursing and medical literature. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The purpose of this article is to describe the onset of abdominal compartment syndrome in the neonate. Early detection of this low-frequency, high-risk occurrence hinges on expert nursing assessment. Complications of abdominal compartment syndrome in the neonate involve bowel perforation, short bowel syndrome, and sometimes death. Components of this expert nursing assessment and its relationship to the pathophysiology of compartment syndrome are presented.

Open Abdomen in Trauma and Critical Care.

The open abdomen technique and temporary abdominal closure after damage control surgery is fast becoming the standard of care for managing intra-abdominal bleeding and infectious or ischemic processes in critically ill patients. Expansion of this technique has evolved from damage control surgery in severely injured trauma patients to use in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome due to acute pancreatitis and other disorders. Subsequent therapies after use of the open abdomen technique and temporary abdominal closure are resuscitation in the intensive care unit and planned reoperation to manage the underlying cause of bleeding, infection, or ischemia. Determining the need for this potentially lifesaving intervention and managing the wound after the open abdomen has been created are all within the realm of critical care nurses. Case studies illustrate the implementation of the open abdomen technique and patient management strategies.

The effects of nursing activities on the intra-abdominal pressure of patients at risk for intra-abdominal hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) occurs frequently in critically ill patients, and adds to their morbidity and mortality. There is no published evidence on the effects of nursing activities on the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) for patients at risk of IAH. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of hygiene care on the IAP of patients at risk for IAH. METHODS: Hygiene care was provided to 34 at-risk patients. IAP was measured prior to initiating the hygiene care, immediately after and 10 minutes later. This was a quasi-experimental, pre-test/ post-test design. RESULTS: The 10 minute post-hygiene care measurement of the IAP was significantly lower than the pre or immediate post-measurement of the IAP. There were no significant changes in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) or the abdominal perfusion pressure (APP). CONCLUSIONS: It is safe and possibly therapeutic to provide hygiene care to patients at risk for IAH.

A survey of critical care nurses' knowledge of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome are potentially life threatening conditions. Critical care nurses need to understand the factors that predispose patients to intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Predicting and managing IAH and ACS are important to improve health outcomes. AIM: The aim of this paper was to (1) assess the knowledge of Australian critical care nurses about current IAH and ACS practice guidelines, measurement techniques, predictors for the development of IAH and ACS and (2) identify barriers in recognizing IAH, ACS and measuring IAP. METHODS: Between October 2014 and April 2015 86 registered nurses employed in the area of critical care were recruited via the form to participate in an on-line, 19-item questionnaire. The survey was distributed to critical care nurses via the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN) mailing list and directly to intensive care units via The majority of participants were women (n=62) all participants were registered nurses employed in critical care the response rate was 3.2%. The study design was used to establish demographic data, employment data, and individuals' knowledge related to IAH and ACS. Participants had the option to write hand written responses in addition to selecting a closed question response. RESULTS: The results showed that most survey participants were able to identify some obvious causes of IAH. However, less than 20% were able to recognize less apparent indices of risk. A lack of education related to IAP monitoring was identified by nearly half (44.2%) of respondents as the primary barrier to monitoring IAP. CONCLUSION: Critical care clinicians' knowledge of IAH and ACS is generally low in the areas of presentation and outcomes of IAH and ACS requiring tailored and targeted educational interventions.

O enfermeiro frente à mensuração da pressão intra-abdominal: revisão de literatura / The nurse in the measurement of intra-abdominal pressure: literature review

Estudo que objetivou levantar na literatura a técnica de mensuração da pressão intra-abdominal. Revisão bibliográfica de livros e artigos a partir das bases SciELO e MEDLlNE no período de 2004 a 2011. Os resultados apresentaram três vias de mensuração: a intravesical, intraperitoneal e gástrica. O método intravesical por sua fácil execução e vasta aplicabilidade foi caracterizado como técnica universal. Observou-se a importância da realização de estudos posteriores que possam padronizar esta técnica pela enfermagem.

Study aimed to raise the technical literature for measuring intra-abdominal pressure. Literature review was the methodology, consulting books and articles from SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and MEDLlNE (U. S. National Library of Medicine's® (NLM) database from 2004 to 2011. Results showed three measuring ways, namely intravesical, intraperitoneal, and gastric. Intravesical method was characterized as a universal technique, because of its easy implementation and wide applicability. Offering greater security to professionals at its execution time.

Estudio tuvo como objetivo elevar la literatura técnica para la medición de la presión intraabdominal. Metodología de la revisión de la literatura de libros y artículos de SciELO y MEDLlNE desde 2004 a 2011. Los resultados mostraron tres formas de medir la intravesical, intraperitoneal, y el estómago. E método intravesical debido a su fácil implementación y una amplia aplicación se caracterizó por ser una técnica universal. Se señaló la importancia del estudio, que ofrece una mayor seguridad aios profesionales a la hora de ejecutarlo.

A 6th Vital Sign--Potential Use of Nasogastric Tube for Intra-abdominal Pressure Monitoring Method to Detect Feeding Intolerance in Very Low Birth-Weight Preterm Infants (<1500 g).

BACKGROUND: While various feeding strategies designed to optimize growth have been investigated and used in the clinical setting, the problem of not being able to recognize the warning signs of feeding intolerance early enough to prevent serious gastrointestinal complication commonly associated with very low birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infant remains. Currently, early stages of feeding intolerance are most often identified though nurse assessments. Additional methods to predict feeding intolerance in this population are needed. Currently, intra-abdominal pressure monitoring has been an effective method to predict intolerance to enteral nutrition in the adult and pediatric populations. PURPOSE: There is supportive evidence for the use of noninvasive methods, such as nasogastric tubes, to effectively monitor IAP. While this may not be the gold standard method of using Foley catheters for measurement, it could provide predictive levels that are indicative of progression toward bowel inflammation. FINDINGS: This review shows the potential for using noninvasive nasogastric tubes for monitoring intra-abdominal pressure and may provide direction for evaluating intra-abdominal pressures in VLBW preterm infants as a reliable method for early identification of feeding intolerance. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The use of nasogastric tubes to monitor intra-abdominal pressure may provide an effective noninvasive tool to identify VLBW preterm infants progressing toward feeding intolerance and would add to assessment data. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Development and testing of a reliable nasogastric tube monitoring device in the VLBW preterm infant population and identify predictive levels that indicate progression toward feeding intolerance is needed. Once IAP predictive levels are identified, provider interventions could be developed.

Abdominal compartment syndrome in children.

Abdominal compartment syndrome is defined as sustained intra-abdominal pressure greater than 20 mm Hg (with or without abdominal perfusion pressure <60 mm Hg) associated with new organ failure or dysfunction. The syndrome is associated with 90% to 100% mortality if not recognized and treated in a timely manner. Nurses are responsible for accurately measuring intra-abdominal pressure in children with abdominal compartment syndrome and for alerting physicians about important changes. This article provides relevant definitions, outlines risk factors for abdominal compartment syndrome developing in children, and discusses an instructive case involving an adolescent with abdominal compartment syndrome. Techniques for measuring intra-abdominal pressure, normal ranges, and the importance of monitoring in the critical care setting for timely identification of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome also are discussed.

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome: a comprehensive overview.

Intra-abdominal hypertension has a prevalence of at least 50% in the critically ill population and has been identified as an independent risk factor for death. Yet, many of the members of the critical care team do not assess for intra-abdominal hypertension and are unaware of the consequences of untreated intra-abdominal hypertension. These consequences can be abdominal compartment syndrome, multisystem organ failure, and death. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. In addition, the evidence-based definitions, guidelines, and recommendations of the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome are presented.