Foreword

Abstract

This issue of Critical Care Nursing Quarterly includes articles that illustrate the importance of clinical studies and research aimed at validating intensive care unit (ICU) protocols and practice. The international list of authors represents bedside clinicians, nurse managers, physicians, pharmacologists, educators, and research associates who are passionate about improving the clinical outcomes for patients in critical care units. Mohrien and colleagues’ article, “Remifentanil, Ketamine, and Fospropofol: A Review of Alterative Continuous Infusion Agents for Sedation in the Critically Ill,” indicates that these may be suitable alternatives for certain patient populations, especially when the usual options are unavailable or contraindicated. ICU staff members must be well versed about their actions and side effects prior to utilization to ensure safe administration and to attain the desired clinical outcomes. The researchers from Turkey, Genc, Koca, and Gunerli, report their findings about the physiological impact of an exercise regimen in their article, “What Are the Hemodynamic and Respiratory Effects of Passive Limb Exercise for Mechanically Ventilated Patients Receiving Low-Dose Vasopressor/Inotropic Support.” They conclude that further prospective research is indicated to validate their findings. Mullin’s article, “Transradial Approach Versus Transfemoral Approach for Coronary Angiography and Coronary Angioplasty,” compares the clinical and procedural outcomes of these alternatives and provides evidence that the transradial approach for coronary angiography and angioplasty is associated with lower risks of adverse outcomes contrasted with the transfemoral approach. She highlights the role of the nurse practitioner to ensure proper assessment and management of patients. The article, “Glycemic Control in a Medical Intensive Care Setting: Revision of an Intensive Care Unit Nurse-Driven Hyperglycemia Protocol,”