PURPOSE: Sedated patients in induced comas may experience ineffective eyelid closure, presenting higher risk for corneal ulcer. The objective was to identify evidence-based practice for corneal ulcer prevention within the intensive care unit. METHODS: A systematic literature review of nine articles was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Questions remain about which care practice is most effective, although most studies consider a humidity chamber with polyethylene film to be the best practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: A proposed NANDA-I nursing diagnosis, risk for corneal injury, reflects this human response that demands nursing assessment and intervention. This study provides evidence toward developing nursing interventions and practice guidelines for the care of these patients.
PURPOSE: Sedated patients in induced comas may experience ineffective eyelid closure, presenting higher risk for corneal ulcer. The objective was to identify evidence-based practice for corneal ulcer prevention within the intensive care unit. METHODS: A systematic literature review of nine articles was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Questions remain about which care practice is most effective, although most studies consider a humidity chamber with polyethylene film to be the best practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: A proposed NANDA-I nursing diagnosis, risk for corneal injury, reflects this human response that demands nursing assessment and intervention. This study provides evidence toward developing nursing interventions and practice guidelines for the care of these patients.