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This article is a case study of a patient cared for in the hours before her death. After the patient's death, we learned the patient died of a black widow spider bite. This article sheds light on the potential seriousness of this venom and allows for more rapid detection and treatment of those who are unfortunate enough to be bitten. The authors have documented the sequence of events for the patient, outlined the care the patient received, examined the pathophysiology of the body to a spider bite, and then made a passionate appeal for other nurses who work in critical care to do the same with patients in similar situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the highlights of the article "Derivation of a Novel Risk Prediction Scores for Community-Acquired Sepsis and Severe Sepsis" by H. E. Wang and others published in the July 2016 issue of the journal "Critical Care Medicine." Topics covered include the use of the Reason for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort to study sepsis risk in adults, the sepsis risk prediction scores derived from REGARDS, and the different uses of the derived scores.

Reports on news and developments related to critical care medicine in the United States as of November 11, 1990. Results of a study which examined whether regular changing of intravenous catheter helps prevent sepsis in intensive care unit patients; Results of a survey among critical care unit (CCU) nurses on job-related issues; On-call system for the CCU of Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.