Nitric Oxide in Respiratory Failure
Inhaled Nitric Oxide has been used in adults for the treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) for some years now. Although it has been shown to improve acute physiology in the short term in such patients unfortunately these results have not translated into improved outcome for patients with ARDS. Consequently Inhaled Nitric Oxide is not routinely offered to patients with ARDS but is used rather as ‘salvage’ therapy for those with life-threatening hypoxaemia despite maximal conventional support. This 10 question multiple choice quiz (which deals with the use of NO in adults, not children) aims to improve the understanding of Critical Care nurses of this treatment modality.
The Quiz
References
- Adhikari, N., & Granton, J.T., 2004, 'Inhaled Nitric Oxide for Acute Lung Injury. No Place for NO?', JAMA, Vol 291, No 13, pp 1629-1631.
- Bell, S.G., 2004, 'The Story of Nitric Oxide: From Rascally Radical to Miracle Molecule', Neonatal Network: The Journal of Neonatal Nursing, Vol 23, No 4, pp 47-51.
- Bradshaw, W.T., 2004, 'The Use of Nitric Oxide in Neonatal Care', Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America, Vol 16, No 12, pp 249-255.
- Kalweit, S. 1997, 'Inhaled Nitric Oxide in the ICU', Critical Care Nurse, Vol 17, No 4, pp 26-32.
- Maimo, G. & Redick, E. 2004, 'Recognizing and Treating Methemoglobinemia', Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, Vol 23, No 3, pp 116-118.
- Qureshi, M.A., Shah, N.J., Hemmen, C.W., Thill, M.C. & Kruse, J.A. 2003, 'Exposure of Intensive Care Unit Nurses to Nitric Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide During Therapeutic Use of Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Adults with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome', American Journal of Critical Care, Vol 12, No 2, pp 147-153.
- Sokol, J., Jacobs, S.E. & Bohn, D., 2003, 'Inhaled Nitric Oxide for Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure in Children and Adults: A Meta-analysis', Anesthesia and Analgesia, Vol 97, pp 989-998.
- Taylor, R.W., Zimmerman, J.L., Dellinger, R.P., Straube, R.C., Criner, G,J., Davis, K., Kelly, K.M., Smith & T.C., Small, R.J., 2004, 'Low-Dose Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Patients with Acute Lung Injury. A Randomized Controlled Trial.', JAMA, Vol 291, No 13, pp 1603-1609.