Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacotherapy KEY POINTS 1 It is essential to review the medication list of every patient daily, preferably with a pharmacist specializing in critical care. 2 In choosing a cost-effective course…
Blood Conservation and Transfusion
Blood Conservation and Transfusion KEY POINTS 1 In hemodynamically stable, nonbleeding patients, reasonable target levels for hemoglobin are 7 to 9 gm/dL and greater than 20,000/mm3 for platelets. Higher levels…
Respiratory Monitoring
Respiratory Monitoring KEY POINTS 1 Although pulse oximetry is an invaluable clinical tool, it provides a signal-averaged number, the output of which lags behind the actual physiologic value of interest….
Intensive Care Unit Imaging
Intensive Care Unit Imaging KEY POINTS 1 The value of a portable CXR is critically dependent on obtaining an appropriately penetrated, upright exposure in full inspiration. Consistency of technique from…
Weaning and Discontinuation of Mechanical Ventilation
Weaning and Discontinuation of Mechanical Ventilation KEY POINTS 1 A continuing need for ventilator assistance may arise from oxygen desaturation of hemoglobin during spontaneous breathing, cardiovascular instability during machine withdrawal,…
Positive End-Expiratory and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Positive End-Expiratory and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure KEY POINTS 1 Adding positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can help maintain patency of collapsed lung units or further distend those that are already…
Practical Problems and Complications of Mechanical Ventilation
Practical Problems and Complications of Mechanical Ventilation KEY POINTS 1 Impaired cardiac output is most likely to result from mechanical ventilation when intravascular volume is depleted, vascular reflexes are impaired,…
Indications and Options for Mechanical Ventilation
Indications and Options for Mechanical Ventilation KEY POINTS 1 Prime indications for initiating mechanical ventilation include inadequate alveolar ventilation, inadequate arterial oxygenation, excessive respiratory workload, and acute heart failure with…
Airway Intubation
Airway Intubation KEY POINTS 1 Noninvasive ventilation may not be appropriate for patients who cannot protect the airway, for those who are obtunded or uncooperative, for those in whom unexpected…
Hemodynamic Monitoring
Hemodynamic Monitoring KEY POINTS 1 Arterial blood pressure monitoring is an invaluable aid to the management of patients with hemodynamic instability, respiratory compromise, or brain injury and should be strongly…
