Critical care nurse
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Critical care nurse · Aug 2017
Editorial Case ReportsLevamisole-Adulterated Cocaine Leading to Fatal Vasculitis: A Case Report.
Cocaine is often "cut" with various additives to increase the profitability of the drug. One of the most common additives on today's market is levamisole, an anthelmintic medication used to destroy and expel parasitic worms in animals. ⋯ Treatment is generally supportive, and symptoms typically abate with complete cessation of cocaine use. However, symptoms may recur with subsequent cocaine use and, as this case illustrates, severe neutropenia and extensive vasculitis may lead to overwhelming sepsis and death.
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Critical care nurse · Aug 2017
EditorialOxygen Requirements for Acutely and Critically Ill Patients.
Oxygen administration is often assumed to be required for all patients who are acutely or critically ill. However, in many situations, this assumption is not based on evidence. Injured body tissues and cells throughout the body respond both beneficially and adversely to delivery of supplemental oxygen. ⋯ Nurses must be aware of implications related to oxygen administration for all types of acutely and critically ill patients. These implications include having knowledge of oxygenation processes and pathophysiology; assessing global, tissue, and organ oxygenation status; avoiding either hypoxia or hyperoxia; and creating partnerships with respiratory therapists. Nurses can contribute to patients' oxygen status well-being by being proficient in determining each patient's specific oxygen needs and appropriate oxygen administration.