Hemodynamic Drugs
Hemodynamic Drugs This chapter focuses on drugs that are given by intravenous infusion to modulate blood pressure and blood flow. The following drugs are described: dobutamine, dopamine, epinephrine, nicardipine, nitroglycerin,…
CRITICAL CARE
Antimicrobial Therapy
Antimicrobial Therapy This chapter describes the intravenous antibiotics you are most likely to use in the ICU. Each is presented in the order shown below. Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin) Antifungal…
Analgesia & Sedation
Analgesia & Sedation Our principal role in caring for the sick is not to save lives (since this is impossible on a consistent basis), but to relieve pain and suffering….
Acute Stroke
Acute Stroke This chapter describes the initial evaluation and management of acute stroke, with an emphasis on the use of thrombolytic therapy, and the recommendations in the current clinical practice…
Disorders of Movement
Disorders of Movement This chapter describes three types of movement disorder: (a) involuntary movements (i.e., seizures), (b) weak or ineffective movements (i.e., neuromuscular weakness), and (c) no movements (i.e., drug-induced…
Disorders of Consciousness
Disorders of Consciousness The ability to recognize and interact with the surroundings (i.e., consciousness) is the sina qua non of the life experience, and loss of this ability is one…
Adrenal and Thyroid Dysfunction
Adrenal and Thyroid Dysfunction This chapter describes the spectrum of adrenal and thyroid disorders that occur in critically ill patients, and how to identify and manage each of these disorders….
Parenteral Nutrition
Parenteral Nutrition When full nutritional support is not possible in the alimentary canal, the intravenous route is available for nutrient delivery (1,2). This chapter describes the basic features of intravenous…
Enteral Tube Feeding
Enteral Tube Feeding When oral feeding is not possible, the preferred method of nutrition support is the infusion of liquid feeding formulas into the stomach or small bowel (enteral tube…
Nutritional Requirements
Nutritional Requirements The fundamental goal of nutritional support is to provide the daily nutrient and energy needs of each patient. This chapter will describe how to determine those needs in…
