Delirium after cardiac procedures found to be associated with increased mortality, increased hospital readmissions, and reduced quality of life, among other consequences.

  

Study looks at methylnaltrexone to treat opioid-induced constipation in critical care patients.

  

The FDA has approved Surfaxin (lucinactant) for the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants.

  

Study evaluates barriers to advanced care discussions in pediatric patients with life-threatening conditions.

  

Congestive Heart Failure: An 'F' Isn't An Option
Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, March/April 2012

CHF is a complex disease process. This article will define CHF and provide an overview of its two types and their subclassifications, discuss signs and symptoms, and review current treatment options and modalities.

Prone Positioning for Patients with ARDS
Nursing2012 Critical Care, March 2012

In prone positioning, patients with ARDS are placed on their abdomens for a portion of the day. The thought is that expanding dependent lung areas opens collapsed alveoli, increasing ventilation capacity and improving oxygenation. Learn more about prone positioning and how it can benefit the patient with ARDS.

Prevention, Recognition, and Management of Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit
AACN Advanced Critical Care, January/March 2012

The development of ICU delirium can lead to dire consequences, such as an increased risk of 6-month mortality, extended ICU and hospital lengths of stay, and long-term cognitive impairment. This review focuses on the prevention and recognition of delirium and provides an overview of both nonpharmacological and pharmacological methods of managing ICU delirium.

Bowel Sounds and Monitoring Gastrointestinal Motility in Critically Ill Patients
Clinical Nurse Specialist: The Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice, January/February 2012

The aims of this study were to determine whether bowel sounds auscultation is necessary in critically ill patients and to forecast the prospect of bowel sounds as a monitoring measurement in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, March/April 2012

Research has identified patients who are at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder after an intensive care unit stay. This article reviews pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies, including the use of diaries or journals, that have been shown to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder in intensive care unit patients and their families.

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In Our Next Issue:

• Recognizing and Preventing Acute Kidney Injury
• Anticoagulation and Bleeding in Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices: Walking the Tightrope