Emergencies in Critical Care

This book is a practical, accessible guide to emergency situations encountered in critical care. The format allows the reader to gain vital clinical information in an easy-to-follow format without spending much time scanning through superfluous detail. Topics are covered in 2 parts: compromised systems and specific conditions.

This essential handbook provides a practical, accessible guide to all emergency situations encountered in the critical care setting. Emergencies are very common in the critical care setting; but also surprisingly predictable. This book helps critical care staff identify those at risk, how to manage them, and be prepared in the ward. The book is split into two halves: the first about emergencies within specific systems; the second concentrates on various conditions or groups of patients. Most chapters begin with a generic description of how to manage emergencies affecting that system, or patient group. This is followed by details of specific diagnoses and how they should be managed. The author team have also tried, where possible, to follow the 'ABC' approach, which is not only the standard approach to emergency management, but also a widely-used scheme for documenting daily reviews on ICU and for documenting trauma management. This book will help all critical care staff involved with the management of emergencies, from the new junior doctor to the experienced staff nurse and consultant in a portable and easily-readable format.

1. Assessment / Stabilisation
2. Airway
3. Breathing
4. Circulation
5. Neurology
6. Metabolic and Endocrine
7. Renal
8. Gastro-intestinal and hepatic
9. Haematology
10. Infections
11. Surgical patients
12. Trauma and burns
13. Obstetric critical care
14. Poisoning and Overdose
15. Miscellaneous Conditions
16. Transfers, retrievals, and major incidents
17. Organ Donation and coroner referrals
APPENDICES
1. Common emergency procedures
2. Reference values
3. Useful Information