Acute Liver Failure
Chapter 59 Acute Liver Failure Karen L. Krok In acute liver failure (ALF) there is rapid deterioration of liver function in a previously healthy individual. By definition there is evidence…
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage
Chapter 78 Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Lee Gazourian, Maryl Kreider and Gerald L. Weinhouse Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is characterized by the clinical triad of (1) blood in the terminal airspaces,…
Change in Mental Status
Chapter 36 Change in Mental Status Michael G. Shashaty and Paul N. Lanken The patient who has a change in mental status upon admission to the intensive care unit (ICU)…
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections
Chapter 51 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections Fenton McCarthy, Benjamin A. Kohl and Bonnie L. Milas Aortic Aneurysms The term aneurysmal is used when the luminal diameter of the aorta grows…
Acute Central Nervous System Infections
Chapter 64 Acute Central Nervous System Infections Stephen J. Gluckman Acute infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are generally categorized as meningitis or encephalitis. Although it may be difficult…
Pressure Ulcers: Prevention and Management
Chapter 42 Pressure Ulcers Prevention and Management Ave Maria Preston Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a significant health problem in U.S. acute care facilities. Among all hospitalized patients, the highest prevalence of…
Thyroid and Adrenal Disorders in the Intensive Care Unit
Chapter 85 Thyroid and Adrenal Disorders in the Intensive Care Unit Alisha N. Wade and Kolin Hoff Abnormalities in thyroid and adrenal function tests are commonly seen in critically ill…
Hypertensive Crisis and Management of Hypertension
Chapter 53 Hypertensive Crisis and Management of Hypertension Melissa B. Bleicher and Raymond R. Townsend Admission rates to the intensive care unit (ICU) for hypertensive crises have been declining, partly…
Acute Neuromuscular Weakness
Chapter 67 Acute Neuromuscular Weakness Neil M. Masangkay and Shawn J. Bird The development of acute neuromuscular weakness is one of the more common neurologic syndromes requiring admission to the…
Care of the Challenge-to-Wean Patient
Chapter 25 Care of the Challenge-to-Wean Patient Courtney L. Dostal, Aditi Satti and Gerard J. Criner The advancement of intensive care has improved survival for critically ill patients, thereby increasing…
