Cover Article:

Ruth Kleinpell

Advances in Treating Patients With Severe Sepsis: Role of Drotrecogin Alfa (Activated)
A trial of drotrecogin alfa (activated) has resulted in the first successful outcome in reducing mortality rates in severe sepsis. Because critical care nurses will be directly involved with the administration of drotrecogin alfa (activated) to patients with severe sepsis, knowledge of the preparation, infusion, and monitoring of the drug, presented in this article, is essential.
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):16-29. [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Clinical Articles:

Cindy Harrington

Managing Hypertension in Patients With Stroke: Are You Prepared for Labetalol Infusion?
Critical care nurses need expertise in managing hypertension in patients who have had an acute ischemic stroke. Stroke protocols include administration of alteplase (rtPA) and provide guidelines for management of hypertension; IV labetalol is often recommended. The author provides nursing considerations for management of hypertension, including administration of labetalol.
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):30-38. [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Elizabeth J. Thompson and Stacey L. King

Acetylcysteine and Fenoldopam: Promising New Approaches for Preventing Effects of Contrast Nephrotoxicity
Use of contrast material during angiographic procedures may lead to acute renal insufficiency, and even death. The authors describe the contrast-induced nephrotoxic effects, at-risk patients, and measures to prevent the occurrence of these effects. Indications, actions, and adverse effects of acetylcysteine and fenoldopam are also discussed.
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):39-46. [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Departments:

Jeffrey R. Dichter

Teamwork and Hospital Medicine: A Vision for the Future
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):8-11. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Rosemary E. Boelke

Carbon dioxide monitoring—the gold standard
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):13. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Mary Frances D. Pate

Inserting guidewires
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):13-14. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Anna Easter, Michelle Staggs, Jan Powers, Rick Chance, Lawrence Bortenschlager, Jama Hottenstein, Karen Bobel, Jane Gervasio, George H. Rodman, Jr, and Tom Stone McNees

Inserting guidewires
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):13-14. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Correction
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):14. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Mark Weber

Pulsus Alternans: A Case Study
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):51-54. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Lynn Keegan

Alternative and Complementary Modalities for Managing Stress and Anxiety
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):55-58. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Mary N. Meyer

Avoid PCU Bottlenecks With Proper Admission and Discharge Criteria
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):59-63. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Ruthe C. Ashley

The Anatomy of a Lawsuit: Part 5
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):64-65. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Christine Westphal

Palliative Care Nursing: Quality Care to the End of Life
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):71. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Linda Bucher

Trauma Nursing Secrets
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):72. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Lauren M. Chadwick

Blitz Days Program Helps
Crit Care Nurse 2003 Jun;23(3):80-79. [Full Text] [PDF]  

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