The four most common embolism seen in the critical care patient population are air embolism, fat embolism, cholesterol embolism, and blood embolism (clots). Embolism is an uncommon complication of altered mentation after invasive procedures, but it must be placed on the list of differential diagnoses. Air embolism occurs when air enters the systemic vascular circulation
Carbon dioxide was discovered by Von Helmont and was isolated by Joseph Black in 1757. Physical properties of carbon dioxide were shown by Yandell Henderson in 1925 and J S Haldane in 1926. It was frequently used to stimulate respiration and there was provision for carbon dioxide cylinders on old Boyle’s machines. The physical properties of
Following are the Hypoxia signs Psychological Hypoxia signs – Higher centers are first impaired in hypoxia due to deficiency of oxygen to the brain tissue. Psychomotor and emotional judgement is poor in the absence of oxygen. The mechanisms mediating cerebral vasodilation during hypoxia are not fully understood but may include neurogenic effects initiated by peripheral and neuraxial chemoreceptors,
Blind nasal intubation is the technique of intubation wherein a nasotracheal tube is passed into the trachea through the nose, without visualization of the glottis with laryngoscope. This is an advanced method that can be carried out only in experienced and skilled hands especially like those of the anesthetists. A blind nasal intubation should always
The European—American Consensus Conference in 1993 provided working definitions of Acute Lung Injury and ARDS to improve diagnostic consistency and interpretation of the results of clinical and epidemiological studies. Both Acute Lung Injury and ARDS are characterized by the presence of hypoxemia and pulmonary infiltrates without elevated left atrial pressure. The two conditions are distinguished
Acute Systemic lupus erythematosus (Acute SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies and the deposition of immune complexes. The disease affects primarily women and has a higher prevalence among African Americans. A series of clinical findings is associated with acute SLE. These include a characteristic malar rash, photosensitivity, arthritis, serositis, and a discoid
Chronic atrial fibrillation (A fib) has an incidence of 0.4% in the general population (approximately 10% of those more than 60 years of age) and many of these patients are admitted to intensive or intermediate care units for reasons unrelated to this diagnosis. Chronic atrial fibrillation needs to be clearly differentiated from new-onset atrial fibrillation
Mechanism of Action of Milrinone Milrinone is a selective inhibitor of type III cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase isoenzyme in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle. Its inhibitory action on phosphodiesterase results in increased cAMP levels, which in turn increases contractility in cardiac muscle and stimulates vasodilatation in blood vessels. This causes an increase in cardiac
Colloids are the type on intravenous fluids with high osmolarity that are ideal to transfuse in conditions like decreased intravascular volume. A Few Colloids Examples are: Dextrans (Lomodex) Albumins Gelatins (Haemaccel) Hydroxyethyl Starch Perflurocarbon Emulsions Blood Hextend The Colloids Examples are explained in a bit detail below. 1. Dextrans (Lomodex) For more on Dextrans read
Heterotopic ossification may occur following head or spinal cord trauma, burns, or major surgery on the musculoskeletal system. A heterotrophic bone may cause severe physical impairment by surrounding a joint such as the hip or the elbow and fixing the joint in a nonfunctional position (i.e., contracture). Heterotopic ossification is also very common following open
