Editorials:

Kathleen Dracup and Christopher W. Bryan-Brown

On Notebooks and Trust
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 96-98. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Guest Editorials:

Ruth E. Malone

Nursing, Our Public Deaths, and the Tobacco Industry
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 102-105. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Trauma:

Marilyn Sawyer Sommers, Janice M. Dyehouse, Steven R. Howe, Kathryn Wekselman, and Michael Fleming

"Nurse, I Only Had a Couple of Beers": Validity of Self-reported Drinking Before Serious Vehicular Injury
Although self-reported alcohol use has become an anchor for alcohol intervention after traffic crashes, clinicians are skeptical about the truthfulness of self-reporting. The authors determined the validity of self-reported alcohol consumption in a group of vehicular occupants hospitalized for a serious, alcohol-related injury and offer recommendations for collecting accurate self-reports.
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 106-114. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Patient Experience in Acute Care:

Susan Kools, Elizabeth M. Tong, Rene Hughes, Rae Jayne, Kimberly Scheibly, Judith Laughlin, and Catherine L. Gilliss

Hospital Experiences of Young Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: Divergence in Expectations and Dissonance in Care
The authors of this exploratory study investigated the experiences of young adults with CHD during hospitalization for surgical or medical intervention, the experiences of their families, and the views of the nurses who cared for these patients. These perspectives were used to generate theory on interactions between patients, patients' families, and nurses in the postsurgical or medical hospital context.
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 115-125. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Case Study:

Mary Jo C. Grant and Bonnie Clay

Accidental Carbon Monoxide Poisoning With Severe Cardiorespiratory Compromise in 2 Children
The authors report 2 cases of cardiorespiratory compromise in 3-year-old twin girls that occurred after they were exposed for an estimated 12 to 18 hours to a faulty furnace producing high levels of carbon monoxide.
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 128-131. [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Pulmonary Critical Care:

Elizabeth Henneman, Kathleen Dracup, Tomas Ganz, Orna Molayeme, and Christopher B. Cooper

Using a Collaborative Weaning Plan to Decrease Duration of Mechanical Ventilation and Length of Stay in the Intensive Care Unit for Patients Receiving Long-Term Ventilation
In this study, a weaning board and a flow sheet were used to facilitate communication between and promote collaborative care planning among the patient, the patient's family, and the healthcare team. The authors of this study evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy in improving outcomes for patients receiving long-term ventilation in the ICU.
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 132-140. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Mary Lou Sole, F. Elizabeth Poalillo, Jacqueline F. Byers, and Jeffery E. Ludy

Bacterial Growth in Secretions and on Suctioning Equipment of Orally Intubated Patients: A Pilot Study
The authors identify potential pathogens in oral and endotracheal aspirates and on suctioning equipment that may contribute to ventilator-associated pneumonia. In doing this, they collected specimens from 20 subjects who were orally intubated for at least 24 hours and required mechanical ventilation.
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 141-149. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Techiques in Critical Care:

Norma A. Metheny, Yie-Hwa Chang, Jing Song Ye, Sharon J. Edwards, Julie Defer, Thomas E. Dahms, Barbara J. Stewart, Kathleen S. Stone, and Ray E. Clouse

Pepsin as a Marker for Pulmonary Aspiration
Aspiration of gastric contents has numerous deleterious consequences such as transient hypoxemia, chemical pneumonitis, and nosocomial pneumonia. For these reasons, assessment for aspiration of gastric contents in tube-fed patients receiving mechanical ventilation is extremely important; however, available methods for this purpose are not completely satisfactory. This study investigates one potential method: immunoassay of tracheal secretions for the gastric enzyme pepsin.
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 150-154. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Tina Jones and Helen McCutcheon

Effectiveness of Mechanical Compression Devices in Attaining Hemostasis After Femoral Sheath Removal
This meta-analysis summarizes the effectiveness of mechanical compression devices used to obtain hemostasis following femoral sheath removal after cardiac interventional procedures. The authors believe that this information will enable cardiac nurses to choose the appropriate technique to facilitate a reduction in groin complications.
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 155-162. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Current Controversies in Critical Care:

Patricia Benner

Creating Compassionate Institutions That Foster Agency and Respect
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 164-166. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Cardiology Casebook:

Laurie G. Futterman and Louis Lemberg

Novel Markers in the Acute Coronary Syndrome: BNP, IL-6, PAPP-A
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 168-172. [Full Text] [PDF]  

ECG Puzzler:

Michele M. Pelter and Mary G. Adams

Inverted P Waves
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 173-174. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Acknowledgment of Reviewers:

Acknowledgment of Reviewers
Am J Crit Care 2002 11(2): 176. [Full Text] [PDF]  

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