Evidence-Based Review and Discussion Points

This study, “Atrial Electrograms After Cardiac Surgery: Survey of Clinical Practice,” by Miller and Drew, reports on a national survey of nurses working in intensive or progressive care units who had experience treating patients after cardiac surgery. Its goal was to assess current practices related to the recording of atrial electrograms (AEGs), a practice recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) for monitoring of tachycardia of unknown origin in patients following cardiac surgery. A convenience sample of 247 nurses subscribing to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) eNewsletter responded to the survey. Although most respondents (92%) reported that atrial epicardial pacing wires were left in place following cardiac surgery, only 10% recorded AEGs often in patients; more than 30% had never recorded one. The findings identify a gap in practice despite published evidence-based standards highlighting the diagnostic value...