Critical care clinics
-
Critical care clinics · Jul 2007
ReviewAbdominal compartment syndrome: clinical aspects and monitoring.
Markedly elevated intra-abdominal pressures will result in predictable hemodynamic consequences related to compromised venous return. When the hemodynamic abnormalities are associated with organ dysfunction of failure, patients suffer from the abdominal compartment syndrome. ⋯ Vigilance, prompt diagnosis, and intervention for abdominal compartment syndrome will reduce the morbidity and mortality in critically ill. Future challenges include altering resuscitation strategies to reduce ascites formation, earlier diagnosis of organ dysfunction, and intra-organ monitoring techniques.
-
In the intensive care setting, monitored data relevant to the output, efficiency, and reserve of the respiratory system alert the clinician to sudden untoward events, aid in diagnosis, help guide management decisions, aid in determining prognosis, and enable the assessment of therapeutic response. This review addresses those aspects of monitoring we find of most value in the care of patients receiving ventilatory support. We concentrate on those modalities and variables that are routinely available or easily calculated from data readily collected at the bedside.
-
Imaging in the ICU plays a crucial role in patient care. The portable chest radiograph (CXR) is the most commonly requested radiographic examination, and, despite its limitations, it often reveals abnormalities that may not be detected clinically. Recent advances in CT technology have made it possible to obtain diagnostic-quality images even in the most dyspneic patient. This article reviews the significant contribution thoracic imaging makes in diagnosing and managing critically ill patients.
-
Critical care clinics · Jul 2007
ReviewNoninvasive hemodynamic monitoring in the intensive care unit.
This article reviews the clinically available devices that have been approved for noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients. In addition this article reviews some of the surrogate markers that can be used to assess adequacy of cardiac output.
-
We consider the practical aspects of justifying, planning, implementing, and budgeting for an electronic medical record. Examples include the decision about integrating versus replacing old systems, the timing of implementation for each clinical area, preparation for installing computerized order entry, a discussion about how to implement physician progress notes, and a discussion about how electronic nursing systems interact with the EMR. ⋯ Wireless integration and telemedicine also are addressed, as well as backup, redundant systems and budgeting. The reader will gain a full understanding of the scope of the problems involved in implementing an EMR, and will have a step-by-step description of how to approach the task.