Nursing Diagnoses of Adult Patients Undergoing Therapeutic Hypothermia After Cardiac Arrest

Year 2025, Issue: 8, 33 - 40, 11.07.2025

Deniz Özsoy Erat , Yasemin Uslu

https://doi.org/10.26650/CURARE.2025.1634652

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the nursing diagnoses of adult patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH) following cardiac arrest.

Methods: A prospective descriptive study design was used. Data were collected from the intensive care units of four hospitals in Istanbul, Türkiye, between July 2020 and December 2021. The study sample consisted of 50 adult patients who returned to spontaneous rhythm after cardiac arrest and subsequently underwent TH. Data were collected using a researcher-developed “Therapeutic Hypothermia Follow-up Form.”

Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.18 ± 15.64 years, and 82% (n=41) were male. The most common causes of cardiac arrest were respiratory arrest (30%; n=15) and myocardial infarction (30%; n=15). The most frequently identified nursing diagnoses included impaired swallowing, hypothermia, impaired verbal communication, ineffective airway clearance, impaired gas exchange, decreased cardiac output, and impaired skin integrity. Notably, pressure injuries were observed in 80% of the patients.

Conclusion: The findings suggest the need for the development of patient follow-up charts and nursing care algorithms specific to TH practices. The use of such tools may enable the early identification and prevention of potential nursing problems in this patient population.

Keywords

Cardiac arrest , cardiopulmonary resuscitation , critical care , post-cardiac arrest care , therapeutic hypothermia

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