At least one-third of surrogates making treatment decisions for adults who could not make their own decisions experienced a negative emotional burden.

No difference in response seen between acute decompensated heart failure patients who receive loop diuretics by bolus versus continuous infusion, or at a high or low dose.

The risk of arterial catheter-related bloodstream infections decreased when the policy of scheduled replacement every 5 days was discontinued.

Implanted ports decreased the risk of catheter-related thrombosis compared to peripherally implanted central venous catheters.

Limiting the damage from acute kidney injury
Nursing2011, March 2011

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is seen in 1% to 5% of all hospitalized patients and up to 25% of patients in the ICU. Review the pathophysiology of AKI, the risks to older adults, the clinical course, and nursing and collaborative care management.

What Does ESBL Mean, and Why Does My Patient Require Contact Isolation?
Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, January/March2011

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) bacteria are fairly new superbugs wreaking havoc in intensive care units. These bacteria release enzymes to destroy and defeat many classes of antibiotics. This results in infections that are difficult to treat, especially in the high-risk ICU patient.

Clinical Dimension: Applying Evidence at the Bedside: A Journey to Excellence in Bedside Cardiac Monitoring
Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, January/February 2011

Lead selection for bedside cardiac monitoring is determined by the needs of the patient. Understand the rationales to empower you to make monitoring decisions that best meet the monitoring needs of the patient.

Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Surgical Site Infections
AACN Advanced Critical Care, January/March 2011

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to b-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Read about vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin, tigecycline, and other agents used to treat MRSA.

Topics in Progressive Care: Critical care drugs: Tolvaptan
Nursing2011 Critical Care, January 2011

Tolvaptan (Samsca) is an oral selective vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist indicated for treating clinically significant hypervolemic and euvolemic hyponatremia. Brush up on the basics of this drug, including special nursing considerations.

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In Our Next Issue:

• Research Dimension: Off-Peak Nurse Staffing: Critical-Care Nurses Speak
• Does Proper Design of an Intensive Care Unit Affect Compliance With Isolation Practices?