Point-of-Care Testing
Introduction Point-of-care (POC) testing is a term used to describe diagnostic testing that is performed in the patient’s unit rather than in the hospital’s central lab or outside reference lab….
Initial Emergency Department Patient Assessment
A systematic approach for the evaluation of a newly arrived ED patient will allow the emergency department (ED) technician to properly evaluate and help prioritize the patient. The ED technician…
Teamwork and Communication
Team Dynamics in the Emergency Department Team dynamics play a vital role in the emergency department (ED) because teamwork and coordination allow for the highest-quality care possible. Individual skills are…
The Role of the Hospital Emergency Department and the Specialty of Emergency Medicine
The Organization of the Hospital A hospital is a complex institution in which patients are treated by members of the hospital’s medical staff, that includes, but is not limited to,…
Emergency Department Organization and Flow
The emergency department (ED) is a complex organization in which care is provided by healthcare providers with a variety of different types of training, employment relationships, heirarchy of roles, and…
Chapter 35 – Coagulation
Summary Understanding of coagulation and coagulopathy is essential to the practice of anesthesia. This begins with preoperative assessment and planning. A detailed history is the first step. Laboratory testing can…
Chapter 33 – Acute Pain Management in the ICU
Summary Pain in the critically ill patient is often underreported and misdiagnosed. Contributing factors include such patients not being able to express themselves due to invasive respiratory support or altered…
Chapter 32 – Perioperative Cognitive Disorders
Summary Abnormal cognitive aging includes unexpected changes in cognition or memory functions. Changes can present either acutely or gradually. Within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition…
Chapter 31 – Trauma Anesthesia
Summary A primary survey is performed immediately on admission to evaluate and treat life-threatening injuries such as hemorrhage, airway, and brain injuries. Hemorrhage leads to 40% of trauma-related deaths, particularly…
