INTRODUCTION:Emotional intelligence (EI) helps nurses in managing emotions and coping with stressful situations while providing high-quality care. Moral sensitivity (MS) is crucial for identifying moral dilemmas and evaluating different decision-making options. OBJECTIVES:To determine the level of emotional intelligence and moral sensitivity amongst nurses working in a critical care unit, and to study the relationship between these factors and sociodemographic data. METHODOLOGY:A descriptive, prospective, correlational study was conducted in the critical care area of a tertiary-level university hospital. The Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) was used to evaluate the nurses' perceived EI. It measures four dimensions: intrapersonal perception, interpersonal perception, emotional assimilation, and emotional regulation. MS was assessed using the MS scale for nursing cares (CuSMCE-23), which measures two factors: nursing values and nursing responses. Sociodemographic data were also collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS:Sixty-two nurses participated in the study. The overall EI score was 5.51 (95% CI 5.37-5.64). The MS score was 93.40 (95% CI 90.83-95.96). Significant differences in total EI scores were observed in relation to the presence of dependents (p = 0.010) and working hours (p = 0.012). Concerning MS, a positive correlation was found with age (p = 0.046) and having dependents (p = 0.013). A positive correlation between EI and MS was also found (r = 0.432, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:Critical care nurses showed medium-high levels of EI and very high levels of MS. Factors such as age and the presence of dependents were found to influence both EI and MS. Recognizing the relationship between these variables is crucial for clinical practice. Educational programmes and further research are needed to better understand this emerging connection.
INTRODUCTION:Aerosol therapy during invasive mechanical ventilation is a common practice in intensive care units, however, its effectiveness is highly dependent on technical factors. Variability in device positioning and nursing technique produces substantial differences between the nominal dose and the fraction of drug that reaches the lungs, underscoring the need for standardized placement to enhance both safety and therapeutic efficiency. OBJECTIVE:To examine recent scientific evidence to determine the optimal positioning of aerosol delivery devices within the ventilator circuit, thereby guiding nursing practice toward standardized, evidence-informed procedures. METHODOLOGY:Systematized review (2018-2025) conducted in PubMed, BVSalud, and complementary academic search engines. MeSH, DeCS, and free-text terms related to aerosol therapy and mechanical ventilation were used. The PIO framework was applied following PRISMA guidelines and GRADE assessment. From 165 initial records, eight original studies were included. RESULTS:Vibrating mesh nebulizers demonstrated greater efficiency when positioned on the inspiratory limb, either near the Y-piece (10-15 cm) or at the humidifier inlet. Jet nebulizers showed optimal placement varying according to the device type (continuous, breath-actuated, or synchronized), although their overall performance was inferior to that of vibrating mesh nebulizers. Metered-dose inhalers were most effective when positioned on the inspiratory limb before the Y-piece, particularly when used with a spacer. CONCLUSIONS:The available evidence suggests that device positioning influences the efficiency of aerosol therapy during invasive mechanical ventilation. Vibrating mesh nebulizers and properly positioned inhalers may improve pulmonary drug delivery; however, the overall certainty of the evidence remains low.
Background Delirium is a common neuropsychiatric disorder but underdiagnosed in intensive care units due to the different presentations it can manifest. Nurses have an important role to play in preventing its onset and promoting sleep in their patients. Aim To describe the efficacy of the use of eye masks and earplugs in adult patients admitted to intensive care units on sleep quality and the development of delirium. Methods Systematic literature review of randomized clinical trials. During June and July 2024, the CINHAL, ScienceDirect, Medline, LILACS, ProQuest, Web of Science, and BioMed Central databases were consulted, applying filters based on time period, population, type of study, topic, and scientific journal. Studies were selected that analyzed the use of eye masks and earplugs as nursing care and whose methodological quality achieved a medium-high score using the CASPe tool. Results We found (N = 3742) studies. After applying filtering and selection criteria, a total of eight (n = 8) clinical trials were collected. With a total of 611 participants, it was observed that the use of eye masks and earplugs improved subjective sleep quality, while the data obtained on the incidence of delirium reflected an inconclusive result for its prevention due to the heterogeneity of the results. Conclusions Studies indicate that the use of sleep masks and earplugs in intensive care unit patients can improve sleep quality and reduce delirium. However, comfort and tolerance vary among patients, and it is crucial to consider duration of use and removals only for short periods of time. Although some studies show significant benefits, others find no relevant differences, suggesting the need for further research to optimize its use. The review has not received any funding.
INTRODUCTION:Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) involves cognitive, psychological, and physical impairments after ICU hospitalization. While extensively studied in general ICU populations, its impact on cardiac patients remains underexplored. OBJECTIVES:This study examined the prevalence and severity of PICS-related symptoms among cardiac patients 2-4 weeks after ICU discharge and explored correlations with selected demographic and clinical factors. METHOD:A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 100 post-ICU cardiac patients, assessed 2-4 weeks after ICU discharge, at a Critical Care Recovery Center (May-June 2024). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Greek-adapted Healthy Aging Brain Care Monitor-Self Report (HABC-M SR). Non-parametric tests and Spearman correlations were applied (p < 0.05). RESULTS:Clinically relevant PICS symptoms were identified in 68% of participants. The mean total HABC-M SR score was 41.4 ± 23.9, indicating moderate to severe symptom burden. Functional and psychological impairments were more prominent than cognitive deficits. Greater symptom burden correlated with older age, lower educational level, and male sex. DISCUSSION:PICS significantly influences the recovery of cardiac patients, affecting their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Early identification of vulnerable groups is essential. CONCLUSIONS:Post-intensive care syndrome was highly prevalent among cardiac patients within the first month following ICU discharge, with functional and psychological impairments more pronounced than cognitive deficits. Older age, lower educational level, and male sex were correlated with greater symptom burden across PICS domains. These findings highlight the multidimensional impact of PICS in cardiac populations and underscore the need for early, structured screening and multidisciplinary follow-up during early recovery to support functional recovery and psychological well-being.
