Anxiety in adult, intubated, mechanically ventilated patients : an expert validation study

Includes bibliographical references (pages [46]-49)The thesis describes the observable manifestations of anxiety exhibited by adult, intubated, mechanically ventilated patients. The diagnostic content validity model provided the framework for this study. Forty-four certified critical care nurses rated characteristics by completing an adapted version of the Anxiety II survey. In accordance with the diagnostic content validity model, weighted means were calculated for each of the defining characteristics. These mean scores classified the characteristics as major, minor, or not validated. The major characteristics included: restlessness; teeth and mouth activity; increased pulse; and fight behavior, aggressive. The minor characteristics included: increased respiration rate, insomnia, increased blood pressure, respiratory difficulties, synchronicity mismatch, confusion, facial tension, wide-eyed, extraneous movements, increased perspiration, increased alertness, cough, glancing about, increased reflexes, foigetfulness, arterial pulse oximeter change, dry mouth, and poor eye contact The not-validated characteristics included: fight behavior, withdrawal; flushed face; twitching; weakness; tremors; pupil dilation; superficial vasoconstriction; and diarrhea.M.S. (Master of Science