Clinical observation provides vital information regarding the patient. Observations gained from the use of the various monitors should augment that information; skin perfusion, capillary refill, cyanosis, pallor, skin temperature and…
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) CPAP is a spontaneous breathing mode used in the intensive care unit, during anaesthesia and for patients requiring respiratory support at home. It increases the…
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) PCA represents one of the most significant advances in the treatment of postoperative pain. Improved technology enables pumps to accurately deliver boluses of opioid when a demand…
The electrical equipment used in the operating theatre and intensive care unit is designed to improve patient care and safety. At the same time, however, there is the potential of…
Tracheal tubes Tracheal tubes provide a means of securing the patienťs airway, allowing spontaneous and controlled ventilation. These disposable plastic tubes are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which could be…
Introduction Point-of-care testing is a rapidly expanding area of biomedical science and is now essential to efficient patient care. As the name implies, the goal is to collect the specimen…
Inhaling dry gases can cause damage to the cells lining the respiratory tract, impairing ciliary function. Within a short period of just 10 minutes of ventilation with dry gases, cilia…
Ventilators are used to provide controlled ventilation to maintain oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide. Many of them have the facilities to provide multiple ventilatory modes that can lead to…
Laryngoscopes These devices are used to perform direct laryngoscopy and to aid in tracheal intubation ( Fig. 7.1 ). They can also be used to visualize the larynx or pharynx…
Face masks and angle pieces The face mask is designed to fit the face anatomically and comes in different sizes to fit patients of different age groups (from neonates to…
