Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration (간호행정학회지)

Korean Academy of Nursing Administration (한국간호행정학회)
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Development of an Algorithm for Emergency Nursing Care of Dyspneic Patients

호흡곤란 환자 응급간호 관리를 위한 알고리즘 개발 연구

  • Yang, Jin-Ju (Department of Nursing, Gwangju Health College University) ;
  • Jang, Keum-Seong (College of Nursing, Chonnam National University, Chonnam Research Institute of Nursing Science)
  • 양진주 (광주보건대학 간호과) ;
  • 장금성 (전남대학교 간호대학, 전남대학교 간호과학연구소)
  • Published : 2009.12.31
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Abstract

Purpose: This study was to develop an algorithm for emergency nursing care of dyspneic patients. Methods: This methodological study was done through reviews of medical records and literatures, checklists of emergency nursing care for dyspneic patients, interviews with nurses, and experts' validity. Results: Firstly, the initial assessment confirmed the identification of airway patency, accessory muscle usage, RR, $SpO_2$, v/s, skin color, and mental status. Immediate emergency care provided oxygen, checked ABG, EKG, and chest X-ray, established a semi-fowler position, maintained IV routes, administered medication orders, and conducted careful monitoring. Secondly, if the patient exhibited $SpO_2$ of less than 90%, the nurse considered the patient's condition to be aggravated. Thirdly, if the patient showed improvement of more than 90% $SpO_2$, the nurse administered secondary assessment and carried out specific nursing care. However, if the patient continuously showed $SpO_2$ of less than 80%, the nurse assisted the intubation and then executed ventilator therapy. Conclusions: This study suggests that the algorithm is an effective decision tool and utilizing the algorithm is expected to improve the emergency nursing care for dyspneic patients.

Keywords

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