Acute and intensive care nurses' perspectives on suicide prevention with medically hospitalized patients: Exploring barriers, facilitators, interests, and training opportunities.

AIMS: To explore opportunities for acute and intensive care nurses to engage in suicide prevention activities with patients hospitalized for medical, surgical or traumatic injury reasons. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study. METHODS: We conducted two studies consisting of 1-h focus groups with nurses. Study 1 occurred prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic during January and February of 2020 and identified barriers and facilitators of engaging in an eLearning training in suicide safety planning and engaging patients on their units in suicide safety planning. Study 2 occurred in December of 2020 and explored nurses' perspectives on their role in suicide prevention with patients on their units and training needs related to this. The research took place at an urban level 1 trauma center and safety net hospital where nurses universally screen all admitted patients for suicide risk. We conducted a rapid analysis of the focus group transcripts using a top-down, framework-driven approach to identify barriers, facilitators, strategies around barriers, and training interests mentioned. RESULTS: Twenty-seven registered nurses participated. Nurses indicated they serve a population in need of suicide prevention and that the nursing role is an important part of suicide care. A primary barrier was having adequate uninterrupted time for suicide prevention activities and training; however, nurses identified various strategies around barriers and offered suggestions to make training successful. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest training in suicide prevention is important for nurses in this context and there are opportunities for nurses to engage patients in interventions beyond initial screening; however, implementation will require tailoring interventions and training to accommodate nurses' workload in the hospital context. IMPACT: Acute and intensive care nurses play a key role in the public health approach to suicide prevention. Understanding perspectives of bedside nurses is critical for guiding development and deployment of effective brief interventions. NO PUBLIC OR PATIENT INVOLVEMENT: This study is focused on eliciting and exploring perspectives of acute and intensive care nurses.

Prevention of pressure injuries during military aeromedical evacuation or prolonged field care: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: During military aeromedical evacuation (AE) and prolonged field care (PFC), casualties are at increased pressure injury (PI) risk. Operational PI mitigation strategies research is limited. PURPOSE: Using multiple factors, this study examined Mepilex/LiquiCell effects on PI risk under simulated AE/PFC. METHODS: Healthy adults were stratified by body fat (%) and randomized to six groups on three surfaces. Set A: Warrior Evacuation Litter Pad (WELP) with/without Mepilex; Set B: Vacuum Spine Board (VSB) with/without Mepilex; Set C: Talon litter with/without LiquiCell. Two hours supine (loaded) was needed. OUTCOMES: Sacral skin transcutaneous tissue oxygen (TcPO2), temperature, moisture, interface pressure, interleukin-1α/Total Protein. FINDINGS: 54 participants. Sets A/B: No Mepilex effects; temperature increased 2.5°C. Set C: No LiquiCell effects. Significant ΔTcPO2 (unloaded-loaded), with 100% impaired perfusion; temperature increased 1.2°C. DISCUSSION: Multiple risk factors for PI mitigating strategies must consider. Talon with increased pressure/impaired perfusion but smaller temperature/moisture changes; WELP/VSB with increased temperature/moisture but lower pressure/adequate perfusion.

Effectiveness of Probiotic, Prebiotic, and Synbiotic Therapies in Reducing Postoperative Complications: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Microbiome-directed therapies are increasingly used preoperatively and postoperatively to improve postoperative outcomes. Recently, the effectiveness of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in reducing postoperative complications (POCs) has been questioned. This systematic review aimed to examine and rank the effectiveness of these therapies on POCs in adult surgical patients. METHODS: We searched for articles from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL plus. From 2002 to 2015, 31 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified in the literature. Risk of bias and heterogeneity were assessed. Network meta-analyses (NMA) were performed using random-effects modeling to obtain estimates for study outcomes. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. We then ranked the comparative effects of all regimens with the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities. RESULTS: A total of 2,952 patients were included. We found that synbiotic therapy was the best regimen in reducing surgical site infection (SSI) (RR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.64) in adult surgical patients. Synbiotic therapy was also the best intervention to reduce pneumonia (RR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.09-0.90), sepsis (RR = 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.94), hospital stay (mean = 9.66 days, 95% CI, 7.60-11.72), and duration of antibiotic administration (mean = 5.61 days, 95% CI, 3.19-8.02). No regimen significantly reduced mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This network meta-analysis suggests that synbiotic therapy is the first rank to reduce SSI, pneumonia, sepsis, hospital stay, and antibiotic use. Surgeons should consider the use of synbiotics as an adjunctive therapy to prevent POCs among adult surgical patients. Increasing use of synbiotics may help to reduce the use of antibiotics and multidrug resistance.

Feasibility of Combining Common Data Elements Across Studies to Test a Hypothesis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe the outcomes of a collaborative initiative to share data across five schools of nursing in order to evaluate the feasibility of collecting common data elements (CDEs) and developing a common data repository to test hypotheses of interest to nursing scientists. This initiative extended work already completed by the National Institute of Nursing Research CDE Working Group that successfully identified CDEs related to symptoms and self-management, with the goal of supporting more complex, reproducible, and patient-focused research. DESIGN: Two exemplars describing the group's efforts are presented. The first highlights a pilot study wherein data sets from various studies by the represented schools were collected retrospectively, and merging of the CDEs was attempted. The second exemplar describes the methods and results of an initiative at one school that utilized a prospective design for the collection and merging of CDEs. METHODS: Methods for identifying a common symptom to be studied across schools and for collecting the data dictionaries for the related data elements are presented for the first exemplar. The processes for defining and comparing the concepts and acceptable values, and for evaluating the potential to combine and compare the data elements are also described. Presented next are the steps undertaken in the second exemplar to prospectively identify CDEs and establish the data dictionaries. Methods for common measurement and analysis strategies are included. FINDINGS: Findings from the first exemplar indicated that without plans in place a priori to ensure the ability to combine and compare data from disparate sources, doing so retrospectively may not be possible, and as a result hypothesis testing across studies may be prohibited. Findings from the second exemplar, however, indicated that a plan developed prospectively to combine and compare data sets is feasible and conducive to merged hypothesis testing. CONCLUSIONS: Although challenges exist in combining CDEs across studies into a common data repository, a prospective, well-designed protocol for identifying, coding, and comparing CDEs is feasible and supports the development of a common data repository and the testing of important hypotheses to advance nursing science. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Incorporating CDEs across studies will increase sample size and improve data validity, reliability, transparency, and reproducibility, all of which will increase the scientific rigor of the study and the likelihood of impacting clinical practice and patient care.

Midrange Braden Subscale Scores Are Associated With Increased Risk for Pressure Injury Development Among Critical Care Patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between pressure injury development and the Braden Scale for Pressure Sore Risk subscale scores in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) population and to ascertain whether the risk represented by the subscale scores is different between older and younger patients. DESIGN: Retrospective review of electronic medical records. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised patients admitted to the ICU at an academic medical center in the Western United States (Utah) and Level 1 trauma center between January 1, 2008 and May 1, 2013. Analysis is based on data from 6377 patients. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was used to determine Braden Scale total and subscale scores, age, and incidence of pressure injury development. We used survival analysis to determine the hazards of developing a pressure injury associated with each subscale of the Braden Scale, with the lowest-risk category as a reference. In addition, we used time-dependent Cox regression with natural cubic splines to model the interaction between age and Braden Scale scores and subscale scores in pressure injury risk. RESULTS: Of the 6377 ICU patients, 214 (4%) developed a pressure injury (stages 2-4, deep tissue injury, or unstageable) and 516 (8%) developed a hospital-acquired pressure injury of any stage. With the exception of the friction and shear subscales, regardless of age, individuals with scores in the intermediate-risk levels had the highest likelihood of developing pressure injury. CONCLUSION: The relationship between age, Braden Scale subscale scores, and pressure injury development varied among subscales. Maximal preventive efforts should be extended to include individuals with intermediate Braden Scale subscale scores, and age should be considered along with the subscale scores as a factor in care planning.

Full-Thickness and Unstageable Pressure Injuries That Develop in Nursing Home Residents Despite Consistently Good Quality Care.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether stage 3, 4, and unstageable pressure injuries develop despite consistently good quality care (CGQC); ascertain whether these wounds occur without prior recognition of a lower-stage pressure injury; and to describe and analyze characteristics of nursing home residents and their higher-stage pressure injuries. DESIGN: Descriptive, nonexperimental, prospective analysis. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: A convenience sample of 20 residents from facilities participated in the study; research sites were located in 7 counties in Western Washington and Orange County, along with a single site in Wisconsin. METHODS: CGQC facilities were identified using a 3-step incremental approach. Research assistants verified CGQC at the facility level. After data collection was complete, a Longitudinal, Expert, All-Data Panel reviewed cases for a final resident-level validity check for CGQC. Remaining cases were submitted to analysis. RESULTS: Residents who developed advanced stage pressure injuries despite CGQC were older, had limited mobility, dementia, comorbid conditions, urinary or fecal incontinence, and infections. The pressure injuries were relatively small and had little-to-no undermining, exudate, or edema. CONCLUSIONS: Stage 3, 4, and unstageable pressure injuries were observed in nursing home residents despite CGQC. Results from this study may serve as a baseline for further research to evaluate characteristics of these wounds when they develop under settings of poor-quality care. Findings also may be useful in creating evidence-based practice guidelines to support decision making around mandatory reporting, diagnosis, and prosecution.

Chronic wound repair and healing in older adults: current status and future research.

The incidence of chronic wounds is increased among older adults, and the impact of chronic wounds on quality of life is particularly profound in this population. It is well established that wound healing slows with age. However, the basic biology underlying chronic wounds and the influence of age-associated changes on wound healing are poorly understood. Most studies have used in vitro approaches and various animal models, but observed changes translate poorly to human healing conditions. The impact of age and accompanying multi-morbidity on the effectiveness of existing and emerging treatment approaches for chronic wounds is also unknown, and older adults tend to be excluded from randomized clinical trials. Poorly defined outcomes and variables, lack of standardization in data collection, and variations in the definition, measurement, and treatment of wounds also hamper clinical studies. The Association of Specialty Professors, in conjunction with the National Institute on Aging and the Wound Healing Society, held a workshop, summarized in this paper, to explore the current state of knowledge and research challenges, engage investigators across disciplines, and identify key research questions to guide future study of age-associated changes in chronic wound healing.

Changes in classifications of chronic lower-limb wound codes in patients with diabetes: ICD-9-CM versus ICD-10-CM.

PURPOSE: To enhance the learner's competence with knowledge of changes in classifications of chronic lower limb wound codes from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM in patients with diabetes. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. OBJECTIVES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Identify the upcoming transition date and coding differences of ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM coding.2. Interpret the author's study population, methods, and design.3. Summarize the author's study findings comparing ICD-9-CM coding to ICD-10-CM coding. OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and ICD-10-CM codes for individuals with diabetes and foot ulcers. DESIGN AND METHODS: Wound care providers and researchers are concerned about the potential impacts when the United States transitions from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM. To identify the impact on diabetic foot ulcers, health history and wound variables were prospectively assessed with criterion-standard data from a prospective study of 49 patients with 65 foot ulcer episodes representing 81 incident foot ulcers. The ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM code sets were mapped to correctly classify individuals with diabetes and foot ulcers. RESULTS: Frequencies for health history variables were similar in both systems. The ICD-9 code did not capture any data on laterality (left or right) or ulcer depth/severity. The ICD-9 captured 69 of 81 incident ulcers (85%) and 94% of heel and midfoot ulcers, whereas the ICD-10 code captured 78 of 81 incident ulcers (96%) and all incident heel or midfoot ulcers. Sensitivity and specificity for ulcer characteristics were consistently lower in ICD-9 than in ICD-10. CONCLUSIONS: The ICD-9 and ICD-10 are similar for data capture on health history variables, but wound variables are captured more accurately using ICD-10. The increased specificity of ICD-10 for ulcer location and severity improves identification and tracking ulcers during an episode of care.

Defining Unstageable Pressure Ulcers as Full-Thickness Wounds: Are These Wounds Being Misclassified?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the evolution of unstageable pressure ulcers (PUs) over time to determine if their healing trajectory is consistent with full- or partial-thickness wounds. DESIGN: Retrospective review of electronic medical record and a clinical PU database. SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS: Patients with hospital-acquired, unstageable PUs were evaluated. Subjects were cared for at a level 1 trauma/burn center and safety net hospital in the Pacific Northwest between November 2007 and March 2011. METHODS: Electronic medical records and a clinical PU database for 194 unstageable PUs were examined. The PU database is managed by certified wound care nurses; it includes data on all verified hospital-acquired PUs since 2007. The unit of analysis for this study was the individual PU site. RESULTS: Of the initial 194 unstageable PUs identified, 120 were excluded due to lack of data needed to address research questions. Out of the 74 unstageable PUs that remained in the study, approximately one-third (33.8%) were found to follow a healing trajectory consistent with partial-thickness wounds. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that while approximately two-thirds of unstageable PUs demonstrate healing trajectories consistent with full-thickness wounds, slightly more than a third follow a trajectory consistent with partial-thickness wounds. Additional research is needed to clarify the healing trajectories of unstageable PUs and to determine whether the current definition for unstageable PUs is adequate.

Pressure Injury Mitigation in Prolonged Care: A Randomized Noninferiority and Superiority Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Combat casualties are at increased risk for pressure injuries (PIs) during prolonged casualty care. There is limited research on operational PI risk mitigation strategies. The purpose of this study was to (1) compare a prototype mattress (AirSupport) designed for operational conditions versus the foldable Talon litter and Warrior Evacuation Litter Pad (WELP) on PI risk factors and (2) determine whether the Talon + AirSupport pad was noninferior and superior to the Talon + WELP on skin interface pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy adults (N = 85; 20 men and 65 women), aged 18 to 55 years, were stratified based on body fat percentage and randomized into three groups: Talon (n = 15), Talon + AirSupport (n = 35), and Talon + WELP (n = 35). The participants were asked to lie in a supine position for 1 hour. The outcomes included skin interface pressure (body surface areas: Sacrum, buttocks, occiput, and heels), sacral and buttock skin temperature and moisture, and discomfort and pressure. The study was approved by the University of Washington Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: Aim 1: The Talon had significantly higher peak skin interface pressure versus the AirSupport and WELP on the sacrum, buttocks, occiput, and heels. Skin temperature increase over the 1-hour loaded period was significantly lower on Talon versus AirSupport or WELP, reflecting a lower temperature-induced ischemic load. There was no significant difference in skin moisture changes or discomfort between the surfaces. Aim 2: The upper confidence limits for the difference in skin interface pressure (all body surface areas) for AirSupport versus WELP were below 25 mm Hg, establishing noninferiority of the AirSupport to the WELP. AirSupport was also superior to WELP for the peak interface pressure on the sacrum, occiput, and heels but not on the buttocks. Skin temperature changes (sacrum or buttocks) were not significantly different between the AirSupport and WELP. CONCLUSIONS: The Talon litter presents a PI risk because of increased skin interface pressure, and hence, immediate action is warranted. The decreased PI risk associated with the lower skin interface pressures on the AirSupport and WELP was offset by the higher skin temperature, which may add the equivalent of 20 to 30 mm Hg pressure to the ischemic burden. Thus, any pressure redistribution intervention must be evaluated with a consideration for skin interface pressure, temperature, and moisture. Data from this study were applied to a predictive model for skin damage. Under operational conditions where resources and the environment may limit patient repositioning, it would be expected that casualties would suffer skin damage within 2 to 5 hours, with the occiput as the highest risk area. The severity of predicted skin damage is lowest on the AirSupport, which is consistent with the noninferiority and superiority of the AirSupport mattress compared to the WELP and Talon. Operational utility: The AirSupport and WELP, which were both superior to the Talon, are operationally feasible solutions to mitigate PI risk. The smaller size of the Talon (2.7 kgs compressible) versus the WELP (5 kgs noncompressible) may make them appropriate for different levels of the operational setting.

Does incorporation of a clinical support template in the electronic medical record improve capture of wound care data in a cohort of veterans with diabetic foot ulcers?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this cohort study was to evaluate the effect of a 1-year intervention of an electronic medical record wound care template on the completeness of wound care documentation and medical coding compared to a similar time interval for the fiscal year preceding the intervention. METHODS: From October 1, 2006, to September 30, 2007, a "good wound care" intervention was implemented at a rural Veterans Affairs facility to prevent amputations in veterans with diabetes and foot ulcers. The study protocol included a template with foot ulcer variables embedded in the electronic medical record to facilitate data collection, support clinical decision making, and improve ordering and medical coding. RESULTS: The intervention group showed significant differences in complete documentation of good wound care compared to the historic control group (χ = 15.99, P < .001), complete documentation of coding for diagnoses and procedures (χ = 30.23, P < .001), and complete documentation of both good wound care and coding for diagnoses and procedures (χ = 14.96, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: An electronic wound care template improved documentation of evidence-based interventions and facilitated coding for wound complexity and procedures.

Retrospective review of the reduction of oral pressure ulcers in mechanically ventilated patients: a change in practice.

Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU) are a growing concern in patient care. Mucosal pressure ulcers (PUs) on the lips, mouth, gums, and tongue caused by oral intubation and their securement devices can be difficult to identify and prevent. In an effort to address this problem and reduce mucosal PU, implementation of an alternative securement device, the Hollister ETAD endotracheal (ET) tube securing device, in conjunction with the B&B Medical Universal Bite Block, was introduced at our institution, a level 1 trauma and burn center, in July 2007. The ETAD was later replaced by the Hollister AnchorFast ET tube securing device in December 2007. By April 2009, they became the standard devices and method used to secure oral ET tubes. We hypothesized the use of the new securement devices and bite block would lead to a decrease of HAPUs on the lips, mouth, gums, and tongue of orally intubated critical care patients because these allow for better oral assessment and ET tube manipulation to redistribute pressure. Using data collected from our electronic medical record and our HAPU incidence tracking system, we analyzed the number of PUs on the lips, mouth, gums, and tongue of orally intubated patients in our preintervention (phase 1) group compared with the data from our postintervention (phases 2 and 3) groups. A clinically significant decrease in the reported incidence of HAPUs on the lips, mouth, gums, and tongue was noted in our phases 2 and 3 groups following introduction of the ETAD, AnchorFast, and Universal Bite Block in our institution.

Enhancing medical-surgical nursing practice: using practice tests and clinical examples to promote active learning and program evaluation.

In a 14-week medical-surgical nursing review course, two teaching strategies are used to promote active learning and assess the transfer of knowledge to nursing practice. Practice tests and clinical examples provide opportunities for participants to engage in self-assessment and reflective learning and enhance their nursing knowledge, skills, and practice. These strategies also contribute to program evaluation and are adaptable to a variety of course formats, including traditional classroom, web conference, and online self-study.

Satisfaction and Barriers of Surgical Safety Checklist Implementation in a Nonmandatory Adoption Resource-Limited Country.

OBJECTIVES: A surgical safety checklist has been a globally implemented and mandated adoption in several countries. However, its use is not mandatory in Thailand. This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of surgical personnel on surgical complications and safety and to examine the satisfaction and barriers of surgical safety checklist implementation. METHODS: A survey study was performed between November 2013 and February 2015 in 61 Thai hospitals. A questionnaire capturing demographics, perceptions related to surgical complications and safety, and the satisfaction and barriers of surgical safety checklist implementation was distributed to surgical personnel. RESULTS: A total of 2024 surgical personnel were recruited. Nearly all of them reported experience or knowledge of an adverse surgical event (99.6%). Most thought that it could be preventable (98.2%) and quality care improvement could help reduce the occurrence of adverse events (97.7%). Overall, respondents reported a high level of satisfaction with the checklist (mean [SD] = 3.79 [0.71]). The three areas of highest satisfaction were benefit to the patient (mean [SD] = 4.11 [0.69]), benefit to the organization (mean [SD] = 4.05 [0.68]), and reduction in adverse events (mean [SD] = 4.02 [0.69]). Overall, the barrier for implementation of the checklist was rated as moderate (mean [SD] = 2.52 [0.99]). However, the means of barriers in each period, sign in, time out, and sign out, were rated as low (means [SD] = 2.41 [1.07], 2.50 [1.03], and 2.34 [1.01], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The data document that the satisfaction with the checklist are fairly high. However, some barriers were identified. Efforts to increase understanding through more rigorous policy enforcement and strategic support may lead to improving the checklist implementation.

Evaluation of cellular wound healing using flow cytometry and expanded polytetrafluroethylene implants.

In wound healing studies that investigate therapeutic interventions, it is important to characterize cellular responses. In a randomized trial enrolling patients at risk for surgical infection, one goal is to phenotype cells within a polytetrafluoroethylene implant using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, together with standard hematoxylin- and eosin-based histology. Subcutaneous implants are removed 8-9 days postoperatively. To obtain single cells associated with the mechanism of wound healing, we initially used a mouse skin digestion protocol. We optimized this to increase the cell yield and isolate sufficient cells for flow cytometry. The modifications increased the total cells recovered per subject from an average of 5.3 x 10(4)-41 x 10(4) with an average viability of 80%. The immunoflourescent staining assay was verified for our samples, which have smaller cell sample numbers than tissue biopsies. Thirty-two samples were stained. Cells from the polytetrafluoroethylene tubes were isolated and stained positively with fluorescent-labeled antibodies to CD3, CD20, CD31, CD34, CD68, CD133, and VEGF receptor type 2. Flow cytometry data correlated with immunohistochemistry data especially with respect to CD68. This antigen was the most prevalent in both the cell analysis methods. Our findings demonstrate that flow cytometry can be used with polytetrafluoroethylene samples as an additional evaluation method to document and describe cellular wound healing responses.

Biobehavioral Mechanisms Associated With Nonhealing Wounds and Psychoneurologic Symptoms (Pain, Cognitive Dysfunction, Fatigue, Depression, and Anxiety) in Older Individuals With Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers.

The prevalence and incidence of chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLUs) are increasing worldwide, as are the associated financial costs. Although it has long been known that their underlying etiology is venous insufficiency, the molecular aspects of healing versus nonhealing, as well as the psychoneurologic symptoms (PNS; pain, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, depression, and anxiety) associated with CVLUs remain understudied. In this biobehaviorally focused review, we aim to elucidate the complex mechanisms that link the biological and molecular aspects of CLVUs with their PNS. Innovations in "omics" research have increased our understanding of important wound microenvironmental factors (e.g., inflammation, microbial pathogenic biofilm, epigenetic processes) that may adversely alter the wound bed's molecular milieu so that microbes evade immune detection. Although these molecular factors are not singularly responsible for wound healing, they are major components of wound development, nonhealing, and PNS that, until now, have not been amenable to systematic study, especially over time. Further, this review explores our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which the immune activation that contributes to the development and persistence of CVLUs also leads to the development, persistence, and severity of wound-related PNS. We also make recommendations for future research that will expand the field of biobehavioral wound science. Biobehavioral research that focuses on the interrelated mechanisms of PNS will lead to symptom-management interventions that improve quality of life for the population burdened by CVLUs.

Nutritional status and wound severity of overweight and obese patients with venous leg ulcers: a pilot study.

Obesity is a chronic disease that is linked to the presence of numerous chronic illnesses, including venous disease. Venous disease can lead to chronic wounds, which may be exacerbated by vitamin, mineral, and macro-nutritional deficiencies. A cross-sectional observational design was used to examine the nutritional status of patients with chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs) who are overweight or obese and to explore the relationship between nutritional status and severity of venous ulceration. Nutritional status was evaluated using anthropometric measurements, nutrient analysis from a 3-day dietary intake log, serum albumin, vitamins A and C, and zinc levels. Wound severity was assessed using the Leg Ulcer Measurement Tool (LUMT). Eight patients participated; six patients were men, and all eight patients were more than 50 years of age. Patients had an average daily caloric intake below their estimated caloric need. When compared with recommended daily intake levels, dietary nutrient intake was suboptimal for protein, vitamin C, and zinc. Serum levels were below normal for at least one of these nutrients in six patients. A positive correlation was found only between serum albumin, average daily intake, and percent recommended daily intake of protein (r(s) = 0.93, P = .003). An inverse relationship was found between LUMT score and serum vitamin A levels (r(s) = -0.83, P = .01), and a positive correlation was observed between LUMT score and serum vitamin C (r(s) = 0.74, P = .04). No clear relationships were shown among serum zinc, albumin, and LUMT scores. Overweight and obese patients with VLU show nutritional deficits that are similar to those of the broader population of patients with leg ulcers. The relationships found between vitamins A and C and leg ulcer severity warrant further exploration. The nutritional differences in the study need to be examined in a larger sample of overweight and normal-weight patients to determine whether overweight patients are at greater risk for prolonged VLU because of poor nutrition than non-overweight patients.

Reducing the Risk for Pressure Injury During Combat Evacuation.

BACKGROUND: Combat casualties undergoing aeromedical evacuation are at increased risk for pressure injuries. The risk factors pressure and shear are potentially modifiable via solutions appropriate for en route care. OBJECTIVES: To compare transcutaneous oxygen levels and skin temperatures in healthy participants under offloaded (side lying) and loaded (supine or supine with 30° backrest elevation) under 4 conditions: control (no intervention), Mepilex sacral and heel dressings, LiquiCell pad, and Mepilex plus LiquiCell. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to 4 groups according to ideal body weight. Backrest positions were randomized. Transcutaneous oxygen level and temperature were measured on the sacrum and the heel; skin interface pressure was measured with an XSensor pressure imaging system. Measurements were obtained for 5 minutes at baseline (offloaded), 40 minutes with participants supine, and 15 minutes offloaded. RESULTS: In the 40 healthy participants, interface pressure, transcutaneous oxygen level, and skin temperature did not differ between the 4 groups. Peak interface pressures were approximately 43 mm Hg for the sacrum and 50 mm Hg for the heel. Sacral transcutaneous oxygen level differed significantly between unloaded (mean, 79 mm Hg; SD, 16.5) and loaded (mean, 57 mm Hg; SD, 25.2) conditions (P < .001) in a flat position (mean, 85.2 mm Hg; SD, 13.6) and with 30° backrest elevation (mean, 66.7 mm Hg; SD, 24.2) conditions (P < .001). Results for the heels and the sacrum were similar. Sacral skin temperature increased significantly across time (approximately 1.0°C). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention strategies did not differ in prevention of pressure injuries.

Noninvasive Blood Pressure Monitoring and Prediction of Fluid Responsiveness to Passive Leg Raising.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous fluid boluses are administered to patients in shock to improve tissue hypoperfusion. However, fluid boluses result in clinically significant stroke volume increases in only about 50% of patients. Hemodynamic responses to passive leg raising measured with invasive and minimally invasive methods are accurate predictors of fluid responsiveness. However, few studies have used noninvasive blood pressure measurement to evaluate responses to passive leg raising. OBJECTIVE: To determine if passive leg raising-induced increases in pulse pressure or systolic blood pressure can be used to predict clinically significant increases in stroke volume index in healthy volunteers. METHODS: In a repeated-measures study, hemodynamic measurements were obtained in 30 healthy volunteers before, during, and after passive leg raising. Each participant underwent the procedure twice. RESULTS: In the first test, 20 participants (69%) were responders (stroke volume index increased by ≥ 15%); 9 (31%) were nonresponders. In the second test, 15 participants (50%) were responders and 15 (50%) were nonresponders. A passive leg raising-induced increase in pulse pressure of 9% or more predicted a 15% increase in stroke volume index (sensitivity, 50%; specificity, 44%). There was no association between passive leg raising-induced changes in systolic blood pressure and fluid responsiveness. CONCLUSION: A passive leg raising-induced change in stroke volume index measured by bioreactance differentiated fluid responders and nonresponders. Pulse pressure and systolic blood pressure measured by oscillometric noninvasive blood pressure monitoring were not sensitive or specific predictors of fluid responsiveness in healthy volunteers.