Pilot Study of the Relationship Between Heart Rate and Ectopy and Unrestricted vs. Restricted Visiting Hours in the Coronary Care Unit.

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
William N. Dudley, Professor Public Health Education (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between cardiac performance, as measured by heart rate and ectopy —premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and premature atrial contractions (PACs)—and unrestricted vs restricted visiting hours in the coronary care unit (CCU). This study builds on and extends the findings of researchers who have investigated the type of visiting (unrestricted or restricted) most beneficial to CCU patients.1,2 There is consensus regarding the need to continue investigation into the impact of visiting poli-cies on patient and family anxiety.3 Nurses need to identify the visiting practices most supportive to the health and well-being of patients and family mem-bers. Investigators have focused on ICU patients’ responses to visits by assessing heart rate, blood pres-sure and the number of PVCs per minute.2,4 The find-ings consistently support permitting a family member to remain at the bedside to decrease patient anxiety and promote cardiovascular stability.

Additional Information

Publication
American Journal of Critical Care 2: 2, 134-136
Language: English
Date: 1993
Keywords
Cardiac performance, Unrestricted Visiting Hours, Restricted Visiting Hours

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