Editorials:

Christopher W. Bryan-Brown and Kathleen Dracup

Professionalism
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 394-396. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Letters to the Editors:

Mike McEvoy and Peter E. Morris

LETTER TO THE EDITORS
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 398. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Guest Editorials:

Deborah X Brown

Nurses and Preventable Back Injuries
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 400-401. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Monitoring in Critical Care:

Patricia Potter, Marilyn Schallom, Susan Davis, Carrie Sona, and Maryellen McSweeney

Evaluation of Chemical Dot Thermometers for Measuring Body Temperature of Orally Intubated Patients
In situations such as protective isolation, where dedicated electronic thermometers are not available, are single-use chemical dot thermometers an acceptable alternative? With this study of 85 patients, the authors attempt to answer this question.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 403-408. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Care of Patients With Stroke:

Anne W. Wojner, Lewis Morgenstern, Andrei V. Alexandrov, Diana Rodriguez, David Persse, and James C. Grotta

Paramedic and Emergency Department Care of Stroke: Baseline Data From a Citywide Performance Improvement Study
Increased accuracy of paramedics in diagnosing stroke, along with efficient prehospital treatment and transport, are essential components in improving emergent care of patients with acute stroke. In this study, the authors studied the effectiveness of paramedic education and the establishment and support of designated stroke centers in improving care within Houston, Tex.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 411-417. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

AACN President's Message:

Connie Barden

Bold Voices: Fearless and Essential
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 418-423. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Cardiac Surgical Critical Care:

Marjorie Funk, Sally B. Richards, Jill Desjardins, Christy Bebon, and Heather Wilcox

Incidence, Timing, Symptoms, and Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery
Atrial fibrillation is the most common complication after cardiac surgery and a major cause of morbidity and increased cost of care. These authors monitored 302 patients for atrial fibrillation using hardwire and telemetry devices and examined the incidence, timing, symptoms, and risk factors for atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 424-433. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Manpower in Critical Care:

Leslie A. Hoffman, Frederick J. Tasota, Carmella Scharfenberg, Thomas G. Zullo, and Michael P. Donahoe

Management of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: Comparison Via Work Sampling Analysis of an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Physicians in Training
Little is known about aspects of practice that differ between ACNPs and physicians that might affect patients' outcomes. These authors determine if time spent in 3 types of work activities--direct management of patients, coordination of care, and nonunit activities--differs between an ACNP and physicians in training in a step-down medical ICU.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 436-443. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Critical Care Cardiology:

Nancee V. Sneed and Sara C. Paul

Readiness for Behavioral Changes in Patients With Heart Failure
The authors (1) identify the stage of readiness for change in 6 lifestyle behaviors important in heart failure and (2) determine differences in signs and symptoms of heart failure, self-reported knowledge of the disease, and self-reported behavior between patients who have made lifestyle changes and those who have not.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 444-453. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Pulmonary Critical Care:

Mary Jo Grap, Dale Strickland, Laura Tormey, Kim Keane, Shannon Lubin, Joanne Emerson, Suzanne Winfield, Paul Dalby, Regina Townes, and Curtis N. Sessler

Collaborative Practice: Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Weaning Protocol for Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
The authors set out to provide a systematic approach to the weaning process by developing, implementing, and evaluating a protocol for weaning patients from mechanical ventilation in a medical respiratory ICU. The authors believe that this weaning protocol is an excellent example of the benefits of using a collaborative team to identify a best practice.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 454-460. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Nutritional Aspects in Critical Care:

Desley Horn and Wendy Chaboyer

Gastric Feeding in Critically Ill Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Little research has focused on children's tolerance of different types of gastric feeding regimens. These authors examine the relationship between 2 gastric feeding regimens, continuous and intermittent, in critically ill children and the children's level of tolerance.
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 461-468. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Current Controversies in Critical Care:

Patricia Benner

Beware of Technological Imperatives and Commercial Interests That Prevent Best Practices!
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 469-471. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Cardiology Casebook:

Laurie G. Futterman and Louis Lemberg

The Effects of Aging on Arteries
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 472-475. [Full Text] [PDF]  

ECG Puzzler:

Mary G. Adams and Michele M. Pelter

Ventricular Escape Rhythms
Am J Crit Care 2003 12(5): 477-478. [Full Text] [PDF]  

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