Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
06:43

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management

Published on: November 21, 2017

Partners' ambivalence towards cardiac arrest and hypothermia treatment: a qualitative study

Marianne S Holm1, Tone M Norekvål, Nina Fålun

  • 1Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. marianne.holm@helse-bergen.no

Nursing in Critical Care
|August 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Partners experienced fear and relief during hypothermia treatment for loved ones after cardiac arrest. Understanding the life-saving process and receiving nursing support improved their sense of security.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Intensive Care Medicine
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Cardiac arrest is a critical event requiring immediate medical intervention.
  • Therapeutic hypothermia is a common treatment following cardiac arrest to improve neurological outcomes.
  • The psychological impact on partners of critically ill patients is significant but often understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the lived experiences of partners whose loved ones underwent cardiac arrest and subsequent hypothermia treatment in the ICU.
  • To identify key themes and challenges faced by partners during this critical period.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative study involving nine in-depth interviews with partners.
  • Interviews were conducted 5 to 12 months post-hospitalization.
  • Data analysis employed Giorgi's phenomenological method.

Main Results:

  • Partners experienced intense fear during the cardiac arrest event.
  • Ambivalence was noted regarding the ICU environment and the patient's hypothermic state.
  • Key themes included the need for clear information, anticipation of awakening, social support dynamics, and anxiety during homecoming.

Conclusions:

  • Partners' experiences are characterized by a complex mix of fear and relief.
  • Understanding the rationale for hypothermia is crucial for partners' acceptance.
  • Nurses are vital in providing information, fostering hope, and enhancing partner security; follow-up care is recommended.
Abstract

More Related Videos

In vitro Assessment of Myocardial Protection following Hypothermia-Preconditioning in a Human Cardiac Myocytes Model08:22

In vitro Assessment of Myocardial Protection following Hypothermia-Preconditioning in a Human Cardiac Myocytes Model

Published on: October 27, 2020

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings06:59

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Ethical Issues01:27

Ethical Issues

Nurses are essential in patient care, upholding the ethical principles of their profession and effectively navigating ethical dilemmas. Neglecting ethical issues can lead to inadequate patient care, compromised therapeutic relationships, and moral distress among healthcare workers.
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management01:25

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management

Pharmacologic intervention is crucial in treating cardiac arrest patients during ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The ACLS algorithms guide the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's cardiac arrest rhythm, which includes pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).EpinephrineIndication: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for all cardiac arrest rhythms.Mechanism of Action: Epinephrine...
Ethical Dilemmas II01:30

Ethical Dilemmas II

Resolving an ethical dilemma in healthcare involves a systematic approach that considers every aspect of the issue, respecting both the patient's needs and values and the healthcare professional's ethical obligations. Here are potential steps to resolve an ethical dilemma:
Decreased Body Temperature01:29

Decreased Body Temperature

A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by sustained extreme cold exposure, and severe...
Obedience01:08

Obedience

According to obedience research, we may harm others under the forceful pressures of an authority figure (Milgram, 1974). How about if the inappropriate orders were delivered with less force? The increasing interdependence between nurses and physicians compelled Hofling and his colleagues to explore nurses’ reactions to a potentially harmful medical request made by the perceived authority figure, the doctor (Hofling, Brotzman, Dalrymple, Graves, & Pierce, 1966). In this situation, obedience...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...