This article has been designated for CE contact hour(s). The evaluation tests your knowledge of the following objectives: Background Although most intensive care patients are at risk for pressure ulcers, not all experience such ulcers.Objective To examine a model of variables related to extrinsic and intrinsic pressure on skin and underlying tissues, oxygenation, perfusion, and baseline comorbid conditions to identify risk factors associated with pressure ulcers in critically ill adults. Method A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients identified by weekly rounds from January 2010 through October 2010 to determine the prevalence of pressure ulcers. Variables were analyzed via bivariate analysis and logistic regression for unit-acquired pressure ulcers. Results Data on 345 patients with 436 intensive care admissions were reviewed. Variables were significant in each model category at P < .05. In the regression analysis of first admission only (n = 306), the model was significant (P < .001) and yielded correct classification of 86.3% of patients. For all intensive care admissions (n = 391), the model was significant (P < .001) and yielded correct classification of 83.9% of patients. In both models, 4 of the same variables were significant: any transport off the unit, number of days to bed change, systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg, and use of more than 1 vasopressor. History of pulmonary disease and presence of a feeding tube were also significant in regression analyses. Conclusions Several variables within the model of pressure, oxygenation, and perfusion were significantly associated with development of pressure ulcers.

Results demonstrated the risk for compassion fatigue and provided data necessary to support development of a compassion fatigue program for direct care providers.

Scripts for a first date for 51 gay men and 44 lesbians were explored. Well-defined scripts were found for both hypothetical and actual accounts. Hypothetical scripts contained fourteen actions for gay men and lesbians; eleven were common to both. Gay men's actual scripts had eighteen actions and lesbians' had nineteen, with twelve common to both. Gay men's scripts were more sexually oriented and less intimacy-focused than lesbians'. However, scripts for both genders were free of many other aspects of traditional heterosexual roles and involved some actions unique to this population.

Results of this study support the perception of communication gaps between patients and HCPs about symptoms. Better understanding of these gaps is needed to ensure that patient-centered care is delivered and that patients' symptoms can be appropriately managed in oncology clinics.