Healthcare-Acquired Infections
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen A healthcare-associated infection (HAI), or nosocomial infection, is defined as a localized or systemic condition resulting from the presence of an infectious agent(s) or its toxin(s)…
Airway Management
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Securing the airway is an important task for treating critically ill patients. Indications for endotracheal intubation include surgical procedure, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, airway protection (ie,…
Antimicrobials
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen It has been reported that for every 1-hour delay of effective antimicrobial therapy in patients with septic shock, there is a 7.6% decrease in survival.1,2 Inadequate…
The Immune System and Infection
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen The host defense consists of innate, or nonspecific, immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is present at birth and has 4 components: mechanical barriers such as…
Hematology and Oncology
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen This chapter will discuss anemia, thrombocytopenia, coagulation disorders, and oncologic emergencies that are seen in the critical care setting. ANEMIA Print Section Listen Two-thirds of patients…
Obstetrics
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen The prevalence of obstetric patients in critical care is 1 to 9 in 1000 pregnancies, with a 12% to 20% mortality.1-4 The majority of puerperium cases…
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a diffuse inflammatory reaction of the lung to an insult and is characterized by increased pulmonary capillary permeability, lung edema,…
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…
