The patient with seizure activity
BP 140/80 mmHg Core temperature 37.5°C via tympanic thermometer Disability GCS 14/15, E = 3, V = 5, M = 6 Full power in both legs and arms Pupils equal…
The patient in acute pain
Perhaps one of the most important methods of pain control for Meena is through the use of drugs. The three main groups of analgesics used are opioids, non-opioids and adjuvants…
The patient requiring complex weaning from mechanical ventilation
Scenario 2 Peter, a 73-year-old gentleman is admitted with type II (hypercarbic) respiratory failure (non-pneumonic). He has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and smokes 30 cigarettes a day. He is…
The patient with long-term needs
Muscle atrophy Critical care polyneuropathy Leg pains Decreased immunocompetence Effects of medication on levels of sleep, alertness and activity Decreased sense of taste Poor appetite Altered swallowing mechanism and sensation…
The patient with delirium
Sources of information: Serial Glasgow Coma Scale or sedation score ratings over 24 hours, as well as readily available input from the patient’s bedside critical care nurse or family. Feature…
The patient with fever
SpO2 95% on 40% oxygen ABG pH PaCO2 PaO2 HCO3 BE SaO2 7.32 3.4 kPa 9.5 kPa 22 mmol/L −4 95% Cough Productive, yellow-green sputum Circulation Heart rate 105 beats…
The patient with severe sepsis
Reader activities Having read this scenario, consider the following: How do Penelope’s symptoms support a diagnosis of sepsis? What stage of the sepsis continuum is Penelope experiencing? Explain this using…
