Invasive arterial pressure monitoring Invasive arterial pressure monitoring provides beat-to-beat real-time information with sustained accuracy. Components 1. An indwelling Teflon arterial cannula (20G or 22G) is used ( Fig. 11.1…

Clinical observation provides vital information regarding the patient. Observations gained from the use of the various monitors should augment that information; skin perfusion, capillary refill, cyanosis, pallor, skin temperature and…

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) PCA represents one of the most significant advances in the treatment of postoperative pain. Improved technology enables pumps to accurately deliver boluses of opioid when a demand…

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) CPAP is a spontaneous breathing mode used in the intensive care unit, during anaesthesia and for patients requiring respiratory support at home. It increases the…

The electrical equipment used in the operating theatre and intensive care unit is designed to improve patient care and safety. At the same time, however, there is the potential of…

The anaesthetic machine receives medical gases (oxygen, nitrous oxide, air) under pressure and provides a continuous and accurate flow of each gas individually. A gas mixture of the desired composition…

Introduction Point-of-care testing is a rapidly expanding area of biomedical science and is now essential to efficient patient care. As the name implies, the goal is to collect the specimen…

Tracheal tubes Tracheal tubes provide a means of securing the patienťs airway, allowing spontaneous and controlled ventilation. These disposable plastic tubes are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which could be…

Inhaling dry gases can cause damage to the cells lining the respiratory tract, impairing ciliary function. Within a short period of just 10 minutes of ventilation with dry gases, cilia…