Postgraduate medicine
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The adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an extreme form of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema associated with alveolar-capillary damage. Clinical features include acute respiratory distress, dyspnea and tachypnea, severe hypoxemia refractory to oxygen therapy, and diffuse bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. ⋯ Treatment includes positive end-expiratory pressure, careful fluid management, steroid therapy, and adequate nutrition. Unfortunately, even with the most sophisticated intensive care, the mortality of ARDS is still greater than 50%.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jul 1983
The comatose patient. A systematic diagnostic approach for you to follow.
Coma is a frightening state requiring immediate medical attention. Because the patient's history may be unavailable and the possible causes of coma are numerous, the physician must concurrently support and protect the patient and evaluate the cause of coma. A systematic, orderly approach to diagnosis, using modern diagnostic tools to complement thorough physical examination, can help illuminate and alleviate this often perplexing problem.