International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Apr 1999
'Not for resuscitation': guidelines for decision making and documentation.
In 1991, the government's Chief Medical Officer made it clear that the responsibility for resuscitation policy lay with consultants, and that they should ensure this policy was understood by all staff caring for a patient, in particular junior medical staff. Since then, many hospitals and trusts have provided members of the multidisciplinary team with guidance on how to ensure that adequate and satisfactory communication is in place to record a patient's resuscitation status. ⋯ Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital Trust has been using a document since April 1998 which is clearly written, user friendly and does not contain ambiguous statements. With ongoing audit of this policy document we hope to reduce the incidence of inappropriate resuscitation attempts which are costly, both emotionally and financially, for all concerned.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Apr 1999
Case ReportsAcute pulmonary oedema complicating adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea.
Acute pulmonary oedema can sometimes complicate adenotonsillectomy carried out for obstructive sleep apnoea. Early recognition and adequate oxygenation are the key to management. We report such a case; the pathophysiology and management of this rare complication of a common procedure are discussed.