Introduction: Over the past two decades, new discoveries have improved understanding of the pathophysiology of increased intra-abdominal pressure. With greater knowledge of possible complications, the mortality of critically ill patients in intensive care units can be significantly reduced. It is important to identify patients with risk factors to develop increased intra-abdominal pressure, whereby the continuous monitoring of pressure through a urinary catheter is essential. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma thesis is to present the importance of continuous monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure in intensive care units. The important role of the nurse in the correct performance of measurements and timely recognition of increased pressure will be emphasized. The aim of the diploma thesis is to present the nursing care of patients with increased intra-abdominal pressure and create a protocol for measuring of intra-abdominal pressure through urinary catheter. Methods: A descriptive method, based on review and analysis of domestic and foreign scientific and professional literature in the field of medicine and nursing. The literature was searched by remote access of the University of Ljubljana in the databases CINAHL, Medline / Pubmed, Science Direct, Cochrane and COBISS.SI Results: The nurse have an important role in the quality of medical treatment for patients with increased intra-abdominal pressure. Accurate pressure measurement is important, therefore the nurse must well know the measurement technique and follow exactly the correct sequence steps, which are presented in the protocol. Discussion and conclusion: Increased intra-abdominal pressure can lead to increased prevalence, and in the worst cases, also to death. For effective treatment is necessary to measure intra-abdominal pressure as quickly as possible, to prevent intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. To prevent life-threatening complications, the nurse must have extensive theoretical knowledge and relevant practical experience in measuring intra-abdominal pressure. The presence of a suitably qualified nurse enables timely and reliable measurement of intra-abdominal pressure, which is crucial for further treatment of patients. Despite the internationally accepted guidelines by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS), there is no protocol in the reviewed Slovenian literature for the basic measurement of intra-abdominal pressure in the bladder through urinary catheter. By following the protocol, which would also include a checklist for preparation of patient and material, the quality of measurement method and the results obtained would be improved. This would help to improve and speed up medical treatment and treatment, increase safety and reduce treatment costs.
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