Automated External Defibrillation
Automated External Defibrillation Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are commonly used to meet the need for early defibrillation, which is currently considered the most effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation (VF) and…
Autologous Blood Transfusion, Perioperative
Autologous Blood Transfusion, Perioperative Both preoperative blood donation and acute normovolemic hemodilution involve collecting the patient’s own blood preoperatively. (See “Autologous blood collection, preoperative,” page 41.) In contrast, in perioperative…
Autologous Blood Collection, Preoperative
Autologous Blood Collection, Preoperative Also called autotransfusion, autologous blood transfusion is the collection, filtration, and reinfusion of the patient’s own blood. Autologous transfusion is becoming increasingly common because of the…
Assessment Techniques
Assessment Techniques Performing a physical assessment calls for four basic techniques: inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Performing these techniques correctly helps elicit valuable information about the patient’s condition. Inspection requires…
Arterial Puncture for Blood Gas Analysis
Arterial Puncture for Blood Gas Analysis Obtaining an arterial blood sample requires percutaneous puncture of the brachial, radial, or femoral artery or withdrawal of a sample from an arterial line….
Arterial Pressure Monitoring
Arterial Pressure Monitoring Direct arterial pressure monitoring permits continuous measurement of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures and allows for arterial blood sampling. Because direct measurement reflects systemic vascular resistance…
Arterial and Venous Sheath Removal
Arterial and Venous Sheath Removal The number of endovascular procedures performed by cardiologists and vascular surgeons has dramatically increased in the past decade. Following these procedures, arterial sheaths, venous sheaths,…
Aquapheresis
Aquapheresis Aquapheresis is a therapy that uses ultrafiltration to remove fluid from the blood. It provides an alternative method for relieving congestion caused by fluid overload in patients with decompensated…
Antiembolism Stocking Application
Antiembolism Stocking Application Elastic antiembolism stockings help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism by compressing superficial leg veins. This compression increases venous return by forcing blood into the…
