AACN PROTOCOLS FOR PRACTICE

AACN Protocols for Practice: Noninvasive Monitoring delineates the evidence for using devices for noninvasive patient monitoring of blood pressure, heart rhythms, pulse oximetry, end-tidal carbon dioxide, and respiratory waveforms. These protocols guide clinicians in the appropriate selection of patients for use of the device, application of the device, initial and ongoing monitoring, device removal, and selected aspects of quality control.  AACN Protocols for Practice are authoritative evidence-based practice resources for use by clinicians, educators, and researchers. Each series of protocols makes recommendations for the application, practice, and monitoring associated with a device, procedure, or practice.These protocols are designed to promote evidence-based practice by providing the latest patient care research findings in a format that is easy to understand and integrate into clinical practice. The protocols can be used to guide care in a variety of clinical situations in acute care, progressive care, or even in the home. Each protocol is introduced by a case study, which is followed by general information about the technology, occupational hazards, ethics considerations, competency issues, and practice recommendations. Recommendations are rated according to the level of evidence that is available to support the statement. Annotated bibliographies, suggested readings, and cross references provide guidance for learning more about the specific device or patient care system.