May is National Stroke Awareness Month, so this issue of Nursing2018 Critical Care has several stroke-themed articles to keep you up-to-date on clinical practice guidelines. According to the American Stroke Association, strokes kill more than 133,000 Americans each year-even though 80% of strokes are preventable through measures such as hypertension management. Critical care nurses have a duty to educate their patients about recognizing the signs of stroke and to act FAST by calling 911 because the sooner the treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery. The American Stroke Association has a wealth of excellent information for you to share with patients. Find resources, including the FAST acronym, here: http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG.
Acute ischemic strokes make up the vast majority of strokes experienced each year. Early blood glucose management is critical in patients who have recently experienced an ischemic stroke; hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Hyperglycemia management in patients with acute ischemic stroke (p. 14) explores the latest evidence-based practices in treatment for this patient population.
Stroke can also result from many other disorders, such as cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), an underrecognized but serious thrombotic disorder that presents more commonly in women than men. Recognizing cerebral venous thrombosis in adults (p. 6) reviews the risk factors, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of CVT. It is vital that critical care nurses are familiar with the latest clinical practice guidelines when caring for patients with CVT.
In May, we also celebrate National Nurses Week (May 6 to May 12). This issue of Nursing2018 Critical Care honors nurses everywhere with a special Nurses Week tribute that reminds each nurse of the reasons why he or she decided to join the profession. Be an advocate (p. 48) follows one ED nurse's realization of the tremendous impact each nurse can have on his or her patients. Working in critical care can be hectic and stressful; never lose sight of the importance of patient advocacy.
Be sure to follow us on social media and visit us online at http://www.NursingCriticalCare.com for special promotions and free digital content from Wolters Kluwer throughout Nurses Week. Thank you for inspiring us every day with your selfless dedication to your patients!
Haley McKinney
Associate Editor Nursing2018 Critical Care Health Learning, Research & Practice Wolters Kluwer Philadelphia, PA