Intensive Care Unit Imaging
Intensive Care Unit Imaging KEY POINTS 1 The value of a portable CXR is critically dependent on obtaining an appropriately penetrated, upright exposure in full inspiration. Consistency of technique from…
Weaning and Discontinuation of Mechanical Ventilation
Weaning and Discontinuation of Mechanical Ventilation KEY POINTS 1 A continuing need for ventilator assistance may arise from oxygen desaturation of hemoglobin during spontaneous breathing, cardiovascular instability during machine withdrawal,…
Positive End-Expiratory and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Positive End-Expiratory and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure KEY POINTS 1 Adding positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can help maintain patency of collapsed lung units or further distend those that are already…
Practical Problems and Complications of Mechanical Ventilation
Practical Problems and Complications of Mechanical Ventilation KEY POINTS 1 Impaired cardiac output is most likely to result from mechanical ventilation when intravascular volume is depleted, vascular reflexes are impaired,…
Indications and Options for Mechanical Ventilation
Indications and Options for Mechanical Ventilation KEY POINTS 1 Prime indications for initiating mechanical ventilation include inadequate alveolar ventilation, inadequate arterial oxygenation, excessive respiratory workload, and acute heart failure with…
Airway Intubation
Airway Intubation KEY POINTS 1 Noninvasive ventilation may not be appropriate for patients who cannot protect the airway, for those who are obtunded or uncooperative, for those in whom unexpected…
Hemodynamic Monitoring
Hemodynamic Monitoring KEY POINTS 1 Arterial blood pressure monitoring is an invaluable aid to the management of patients with hemodynamic instability, respiratory compromise, or brain injury and should be strongly…
Arrhythmias, Pacing, and Cardioversion
Arrhythmias, Pacing, and Cardioversion KEY POINTS 1 Many arrhythmias require drug treatment; those that are asymptomatic, chronic, and stable, or related to a temporary physiological disturbance (e.g., transient hypoxemia, electrolyte…
Support of the Failing Circulation
Support of the Failing Circulation KEY POINTS 1 Circulatory insufficiency and shock result from inadequate perfusion relative to tissue demands. Although certain physical and laboratory parameters may be suggestive, shock…
Hemodynamics
Hemodynamics KEY POINTS 1 Because of differences in wall thickness and ejection impedance, the two sides of the heart differ in structure and sensitivity to preload and afterload. The normal…
