Rapid Sequence Intubation Medication Therapies: A Review in Light of Recent Drug Shortages
Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal, January/March 2013 Recent drug shortages have forced many health care professionals to use alternative medications with which they are less familiar. The intent of this review is to familiarize health care providers with the pharmacology and adverse effect profiles of alternative sedative and neuromuscular blocking agent medications used in emergent airway placement.
A Complex Systems View of Sepsis: Implications for Nursing
Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, February 2013Systems or tools that aid the bedside nurse in prompt identification of sepsis and facilitate standardized evidence-based interventions are proving to be a valuable means in the care of the septic patient.
The Work of Adult and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurses
Nursing Research, February 2013This study provides useful information about how nurses spend their time in various ICUs. The methodology can be used in future research to examine changes in work related to, for example, implementation of health information technology.
“Mock Herniations” to Assess Nurses’ Response Times and Accuracy in Setting Up Ventriculostomies in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, February 2013When an emergent ventriculostomy is required for relief of increased intracranial pressure, it is critical that participating physicians and nurses work as an efficient team for optimal outcomes. The goals of this study were to (a) decrease the response time and (b) increase competency for successful insertion and setup of a ventriculostomy by using a "mock herniation" scenario.
Serotonin Syndrome: Recognition and Treatment
AACN Advanced Critical Care, March 2013Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a complication resulting from excessive effects of serotonin on the central nervous system, and it usually results from taking medications, such as the antidepressant agents known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), that elevate levels of serotonin either therapeutically or with intentional overdoses.