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…
CRITICAL CARE
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…
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…
