Editorials:

Christopher W. Bryan-Brown and Kathleen Dracup

More
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 185-187. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Guest Editorials:

Diana J. Mason

Family Presence: Evidence Versus Tradition
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 190-192. [Full Text] [PDF]  

AACN 2003 Distinguished Research Lecture:

Kathleen Puntillo

Pain Assessment and Management in the Critically Ill: Wizardry or Science?
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 195. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Trauma Critical Care:

Therese S. Richmond, Donald Kauder, Janice Hinkle, and Justine Shults

Early Predictors of Long-Term Disability After Injury
In this study, the authors test an explanatory model to ascertain if age, disability (before the injury and in the short-term after injury), posttraumatic psychosocial distress, and social factors identified during hospitalization and early in recovery significantly contribute to long-term disability after injury.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 197-205. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Critical Care Hemodynamics:

Judy Currey and Mari Botti

Naturalistic Decision Making: A Model to Overcome Methodological Challenges in the Study of Critical Care Nurses’ Decision Making About Patients’ Hemodynamic Status
The authors present the advantages of naturalistic decision making as a framework for studying the complex tasks involved in nurses' decisions. Also discussed are the potential sources of variability in decisions among nurses.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 206-211. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Pediatric Respiratory Critical Care:

Debra A. Ridling, Lynn D. Martin, and Susan L. Bratton

Endotracheal Suctioning With or Without Instillation of Isotonic Sodium Chloride Solution in Critically Ill Children
These authors compare the effects on oxygen saturation of endotracheal tube suctioning with and without instillation of isotonic sodium chloride solution in 24 subjects and determine how often the endotracheal tube became occluded and the number of cases of nosocomial pneumonia.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 212-219. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Respiratory Critical Care:

Mary Lou Sole, Jacqueline F. Byers, Jeffery E. Ludy, Ying Zhang, Christine M. Banta, and Kathy Brummel

A Multisite Survey of Suctioning Techniques and Airway Management Practices
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is associated with microaspiration of oropharyngeal secretions and may be related to suctioning and airway management practices. In this descriptive, comparative, multisite study, the authors describe institutional policies and procedures related to closed-system suctioning and airway management of intubated patients, and they compare practices of registered nurses and respiratory therapists.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 220-230. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Infectious Disease Critical Care:

Melinda Cramer

Legionnaires Disease: A Case Study
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although 18 000 to 25 000 cases of pneumonia due to Legionella pneumophila occur each year, the diagnosis is reported in only 1200 to 1500 cases because of the nonspecific signs and symptoms of the disease and inadequate testing for Legionella. This case study presents information about the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment of legionnaires disease and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 234-238. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Critical Care Ethics:

Vera A. DePalo, Rhonda Iacobucci, and Robert S. Crausman

Do-Not-Resuscitate and Stratification-of-Care Forms in Rhode Island
Do-not-resuscitate and stratification-of-care forms can often guide the important discussion of healthcare preferences. Unfortunately, no clear standard exists for what should be included in these forms. These authors review existing forms in use at adult general hospitals throughout Rhode Island.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 239-241. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Gastrointestinal Critical Care:

Asuquo N. Inyang and Harry Ulrrich

Small-Bowel Arteriovenous Shunting Due to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Vasculitis
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic disease of the connective tissue characterized by the presence of numerous antibodies, circulating immune complexes, and deposition of immune complexes in multiple organs. In this case study, the authors describe a patient with a relapse of SLE who had abdominal signs and symptoms mimicking those of an acute abdomen and bizarre-looking findings on angiograms of the superior mesenteric vessels.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 242-245. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Family Issues in Critical Care:

Susan L. MacLean, Cathie E. Guzzetta, Cheri White, Dorrie Fontaine, Dezra J. Eichhorn, Theresa A. Meyers, and Pierre Désy

Family Presence During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Invasive Procedures: Practices of Critical Care and Emergency Nurses
The authors identify the policies, preferences, and practices of critical care and emergency nurses for the controversial practice of allowing patients' families to be present during resuscitation and invasive procedures. Using a 30-item survey, the authors also hoped to determine the common themes of the 984 nurse respondents regarding their experiences with family presence.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 246-257. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Current Controversies in Critical Care:

Patricia Benner

Creating a More Responsible Public Dialogue About the Social, Ethical, and Legal Aspects of Genomics
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 259-261. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Cardiology Casebook:

Laurie G. Futterman and Louis Lemberg

A Quick Test Predicts Acute Coronary Events
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 262-266. [Full Text] [PDF]  

ECG Puzzler:

Mary G. Adams-Hamoda and Michele M. Pelter

Interpreting a Postoperative 12-Lead ECG Waveform
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 267-268. [Full Text] [PDF]  

2003 National Teaching Institute Research Abstracts:

2003 National Teaching Institute Research Abstracts
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(3): 271-288. [Full Text] [PDF]  

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