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Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness: Implications for Case Management
Nina R Harvey1, Marietta P Stanton
1Nina R. Harvey, DNP, MSN, RN, serves as a clinical assistant professor in the Capstone College of Nursing at The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She has an extensive background in caring for the frail elderly and individuals suffering from serious and life-threatening injuries. Marietta P. Stanton, PhD, RN, CCM, is a full professor in the Capstone College of Nursing at The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Dr. Stanton has an extensive research background and has published a significant amount of information on various nursing and health care topics.
Purpose:
The purpose of this case study is to provide a specific example of the disease trajectory for one patient's experience with intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW). This case study provides those in case management with an overview of some of the common signs and symptoms of ICUAW, as well as the possible prognosis and recovery from ICUAW.
Primary Practice Setting:
The events in this case study take place in the acute care setting including the intensive care unit of a mid-sized health center, a general medical-surgical (med-surg) unit, and a long-term acute care facility.
Conclusions:
ICUAW affects the clinical, functional, and financial outcomes of patients. If the patient survives, their quality of life and the quality of life of their family members could be severely impacted. Case management practice has a significant role in coordinating care for those diagnosed with ICUAW. Case managers can use knowledge about ICUAW to improve the patient's transition throughout the hospital stay, improve discharge recommendations, and improve the patient's short-term and long-term outcomes. This may reduce unnecessary utilization of health care resources.
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