An evaluation of intensive care nurses' performance of indirect calorimetry measurements
Emilie Occhiali1, Benedicte Bernard1, Marion Fraboulet1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Perioperative Medicine, Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.
Background:
Indirect calorimetry (IC) is the gold standard to monitor energy expenditure in critically ill patients. In several intensive care units (ICUs), nurses are responsible for carrying out the measurements.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to assess nurses' perception of their involvement in IC.
Study Design:
This was a prospective survey conducted in the surgical ICU of a French university hospital after 18 months of use of the Q-NRG + ® calorimeter (COSMED©, Italy). All nurses who have used the calorimeter in the previous 6 months in this ICU were questioned through a questionnaire about their theoretical and practical knowledge and experience in using it.
Results:
The participation rate was 93% (28/30 surveyed). All the respondents understood the objectives of performing an IC and 23 of them (82%) had used the device at least once in the previous 6 months. All the users thought it was pertinent that ICU nurses were in charge of the IC measurements, 16 of them (70%) reported having been formally trained, mostly by a colleague, and 17 (77%) felt comfortable with the device after 2 to 5 uses. The five non-users (8%) did not have the opportunity to do so. Theoretical and practical knowledge could be improved as only 5 of the users (22%) declared to know the main criteria of reliability of the IC measurement and 4 of them (18%) declared to know the maintenance and cleaning protocol of the device.
Conclusion:
Nurses quickly felt comfortable with the Q-NRG + ® in this ICU. Formal initial and ongoing training of all staff completing IC is essential to perform IC measurements safely and to obtain reliable and interpretable results in practice.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
Involving the nursing team in nutritional care, even if it is technical, seems to bring satisfaction in terms of overall patient care.
More Related Videos
09:33Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise
Published on: December 19, 2024
06:04Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
Published on: July 4, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:19Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
01:15Nursing Evaluation
01:15Nursing Implementation
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.