Neurological Emergencies
Neurological Emergencies KEY POINTS 1 With the exception of head trauma, metabolic encephalopathy is the most common cause of delirium seen in the ICU. Drug effects, severe sepsis, and hepatic…
Oxygenation Failure, ARDS, and Acute Lung Injury
Oxygenation Failure, ARDS, and Acute Lung Injury KEY POINTS 1 Six mechanisms may contribute to arterial oxygen desaturation: (a) inhalation of a hypoxic gas mixture, (b) alveolar hypoventilation, (c) impaired…
Endocrine Emergencies
Endocrine Emergencies KEY POINTS 1 Severe hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism must be suspected and treated on clinical grounds; laboratory tests are often delayed too long to be useful. When beginning treatment…
Drug Overdose and Poisoning
Drug Overdose and Poisoning KEY POINTS 1 With little intervention, the outcome for most victims of poisoning is excellent. Supportive care, with particular attention to maintaining an airway, oxygenation, and…
Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy
Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy KEY POINTS 1 The development of acute kidney injury is associated with a significant increase in mortality in the critically ill patient despite…
Hepatic Failure
Hepatic Failure KEY POINTS 1 Only hepatic failure caused by acetaminophen has an effective specific therapy; therefore, supportive care is the basis for treating most patients. In selected cases, transplantation…
Clotting and Bleeding Disorders and Anticoagulation Therapy
Clotting and Bleeding Disorders and Anticoagulation Therapy KEY POINTS 1 A prothrombin time, an activated partial thromboplastin time, and a platelet count done after a careful detailed history, which includes…
Severe Sepsis
Severe Sepsis KEY POINTS 1 Severe sepsis is a syndrome caused by infection and defined by the presence of vital sign abnormalities and new organ system failure caused by the…
Thermal Disorders
Thermal Disorders KEY POINTS 1 Body temperature is the net result of balance between heat generated and heat lost. Usually heat loss is a much more efficient process than heat…
Ventilatory Failure
Ventilatory Failure KEY POINTS 1 Three major mechanisms cause or contribute to ventilatory failure: deficient central drive, ineffective muscular contraction, and excessive breathing workload. Important factors contributing to the minute…
