• Physical dependency and withdrawal have been documented in all agents used for sedation and analgesia in the pediatric intensive care unit, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opioids, dexmedetomidine, propofol, and the…
• Through the blockade of skeletal muscle function, neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) cause cessation of respiratory function, mandating airway control and the institution of mechanical ventilation. NMBAs should not be…
Pearls • The accurate estimation of burn severity is crucial both for appropriate resuscitation and for maintenance of adequate urine output and hemodynamics, including blood pressure and cardiac output. The…
• Snakebite-related morbidity and mortality are reduced most effectively by rapid transport, intensive care support, and the administration of antivenin. • Pit viper envenomation may produce both painful local tissue…
• The preoperative evaluation, which is performed prior to any anesthetic intervention, includes a history of present illness; past medical problems, including medication allergies; a past surgical and anesthetic history;…
• Because of increased bone elasticity, rib fractures are uncommon in children and indicate significant traumatic energy delivery, raising concern for injuries of underlying viscera or nonaccidental trauma. • Children…
• Poisoned patients are frequently encountered in the intensive care setting and often pose a diagnostic challenge. Skills in taking a history and performing a thorough physical exam, as well…
Pearls • Adverse drug events (ADEs) are defined as any injury resulting from both prescribed and unintended administration of drugs, including inappropriate use or inadvertent side effects not associated with…
• The typical patient with septic shock has simultaneous derangements of cardiovascular function, intravascular volume status, respiratory function, immune/inflammatory regulation, renal function, coagulation, hepatic function, and/or metabolic function. • The…
• Accidental or unintentional hypothermia is a potentially lethal complication of exposure to cold. It can occur as a result of exposure to cold air, water immersion/submersion, or snow burial….
