Adventure-Based Therapy: Couple Intimacy with Christian Spirituality

Adventure-Based Therapy (ABT) models have been used for many years in the United States and beyond, primarily in adolescent and young adult populations. This project seeks to explore the experiences of couples on an ABT trip. Couples were asked to share their lived experiences as it pertains to marital intimacy, nature, and Christian spirituality. Seven themes emerged as the interviews were transcribed and confirmed by the couples: appreciation for nature, building community, care shown by partner, connecting with God outdoors, leaving technology, preparation together, and shared activity. These themes form the backbone of potential new outcomes as couples’ work is explored in the backcountry. This thesis concludes by exploring potential areas for future research

Hyperinsulinemia-euglycemia therapy: a useful tool in treating calcium channel blocker poisoning

Hyperinsulinemia-euglycemia (HIE) therapy, when initiated promptly and aggressively, may offer considerable advantages in the treatment of calcium channel blocker poisoning. Although its mechanism of action is uncertain, HIE improves the efficiency with which the poisoned myocardium uses metabolic fuel, the end result of which is improvements in inotropy and other cardiovascular parameters. Although HIE is not universally accepted, the reports included in the previous issue of Critical Care should prompt clinicians to consider HIE an appropriate therapy specifically for calcium channel blocker poisoning

Antitussives and substance abuse

Abuse of antitussive preparations is a continuing problem in the United States and throughout the world. Illicit, exploratory, or recreational use of dextromethorphan and codeine/promethazine cough syrups is widely described. This review describes the pharmacology, clinical effects, and management of toxicity from commonly abused antitussive formulations

Hospital Delirium is Associated with Lower Mean Activity Counts: Secondary Analysis of a Large Cohort Study of ICU Patients

Hospital delirium is a dangerous condition characterized by confusion and altered consciousness. Hypoactive delirium, the most common type of delirium, results in decreased spontaneous movement and is easily missed by hospital staff. We evaluated the use of wrist accelerometers to detect an association with delirium in intensive care unit patients. We found that daily mean activity count was lower in patients with delirium, even controlling for age and mechanical ventilation status. This suggests that accelerometers could be a good biosensor to assist hospital staff with delirium detection and management