Crit Care Resusc
-
To review the requirements and functions of clinical information systems for the critical care environment. ⋯ A high performance CIS is not yet available as an 'off the shelf' product. Close collaboration between the industry and clinicians is important for successful implementation. Clinical awareness of these issues will encourage product development and suitable purchasing strategies.
-
To present an overview of acidosis following intravenous fluid infusion and to highlight the current controversy in acid-base physiology. ⋯ There is controversy regarding mechanisms in acid-base physiology. The clinical significance of post infusion acidosis is unclear, however use of Hartmann's solution may minimize the acidosis.
-
To review and compare the 'metabolic' component of an acid-base abnormality by assessing the arterial blood bicarbonate and the 'strong ion difference'. ⋯ In man the renal and respiratory systems regulate acid-base homeostasis by modifying the bicarbonate buffer pair (i.e. PCO(2) and HCO(3)(-)), with all other body buffer systems adjusting to alterations in this pair. To maintain electrical neutrality there is a change in cation concentration commensurate with the change in bicarbonate concentration.