Analgesia, Sedation, Delirium, and Coma
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Pain, agitation, delirium, and coma are not uncommon in the intensive care unit (ICU). They are secondary to the patient’s underlying disease or to the multiple…
Cardiac Arrhythmias and Hypertensive Emergencies
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Cardiac arrhythmias and hypertensive emergencies are not uncommon in the intensive care unit. This chapter will discuss basic cardiac electrophysiology, cardiac conduction, electrocardiography (ECG) interpretation, tachyarrhythmias,…
Acute Coronary Syndromes
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen An acute coronary syndrome (ACS) encompasses a clinical spectrum of myocardial ischemia ranging from unstable angina (UA) and non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) to ST-segment elevation…
Electrolyte Disorders
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Critically ill patients have disturbances in multiple organ systems and hence are at risk for serious imbalances in electrolyte and water handling. Electrolyte disorders are extremely…
Acid–Base Disorders
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen The human body needs to regulate free hydrogen ions (H+) within a narrow window in order to maintain proper protein structure and function. In the process…
Hemodynamic Monitoring
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Patients are usually transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to their hemodynamic instability. Interpretation of hemodynamic monitoring is crucial to delivery of prompt and…
Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Hypoxia occurs when tissues do not receive adequate oxygen to meet their metabolic demands. It is nonspecific and can mean reduced arterial partial pressure of oxygen…
Thromboembolic Disease
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Thromboembolic disease is derived from Virchow’s triad of alterations in blood flow, vascular endothelial injury, and alterations in constituents of the blood. Risk factors include antithrombin…
