The WOCN Society 40th Annual Conference (June 21-25th, 2008)
2370
How are YOU Managing Skin Integrity During Temperature Management?
Cynthia J. Sylvia, MSc, MA, RN, CWOCN, Gaymar Industries, Inc., Program Manager, Educational Development, 335 Locust Knoll Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414 and Laura C. Grisanti, RN, CNOR, Gaymar Industries, Inc., Clinical Research Nurse, 10 Centre Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127.
Recent studies have indicated that core body temperature be addressed to optimize neurological outcomes in a variety of clinical conditions including stroke, post-cardiac arrest and trauma. Research shows that in certain cases, mild hypothermia improves survival rates and protects brain cells. In critical care and the emergency department, more aggressive means for management of temperature are being implemented earlier and more frequently. Temperature regulation, specifically surface cooling with Body Wraps or blankets directly in contact with the skin, is being used. The epidermal surface is in direct contact with the therapeutic cooling pads or wraps for extended periods of time depending upon the clinical indication. The microclimate at the epidermal interface may be affected by temperature, humidity and the mechanical forces of pressure, compression, and friction. An increased awareness of the effect of surface cooling on the skin is opening up new opportunities for the expertise of the WOC Nurse. Clinical protocols for temperature management are being developed and implemented and questions are arising as to the management of potential skin changes that may be secondary to surface cooling. It is recognized that skin integrity must be a consideration when utilizing surface cooling. The purpose of this abstract is to offer guidance on the assessment, documentation and interventions for the preservation of intact skin during surface cooling. A literature review, a consensus of expert opinion and feedback from user experience will be used to examine the issue and construct a clinical guideline. The outcome of this is an educational resource for clinical recommendations on the management of skin integrity during temperature management. The applications of temperature management and therapeutic hypothermia are multiplying exponentially and the need to champion skin integrity is a challenge to be addressed by the WOC Nurse.
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See more of The WOCN Society 40th Annual Conference (June 21-25th, 2008)
See more of Practice Innovation Abstract
See more of The WOCN Society 40th Annual Conference (June 21-25th, 2008)