Overview
- The automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a life-saving device that can reverse a life-threatening dysrhythmia. However, it presents a risk of great physical and emotional injury to the client if it is improperly used or if the client is inadequately prepared for the sensation associated with it. The nurse, client, and family members or significant others need to be fully educated regarding its use and maintenance.
- Aggressive temperature-control therapy is crucial to regain the delicate balance necessary for vital organ function. If not closely monitored, temperature-control techniques can cause problems more serious than those originally being treated. Potential complications of hypothermia/hyperthermia include cardiac, vascular, pulmonary, and metabolic compromise.
- Improperly performed postmortem care could result in serious legal, ethnic/cultural, or ethical/moral dilemmas.
- When there is a threatened or actual death, caring for significant others also becomes a nursing concern.
- Caregivers should don gloves and a gown while performing postmortem care because they may be exposed to body fluids.
- Some major nursing diagnostic labels related to special procedures are ineffective cardiopulmonary tissue perfusion, ineffective thermoregulation, ineffective coping, dysfunctional grieving, and risk for infection.