Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the two primary reasons for checking armband information, and what method should be used to verify this information?
What are the two primary reasons for checking armband information, and what method should be used to verify this information?
Two reasons for checking armband information are to ensure patient identification and to confirm allergies. The information should be verified by checking both the IeMR and the patient monitor.
What is the correct procedure for measuring and inserting a Guedel airway?
What is the correct procedure for measuring and inserting a Guedel airway?
Measure from the corner of the patient's mouth to the earlobe. Insert the Guedel tip into the mouth, reaching the roof, and then rotate it 180 degrees.
Describe the purpose and proper placement of a 14-gauge cannula in the context of potential pneumothorax.
Describe the purpose and proper placement of a 14-gauge cannula in the context of potential pneumothorax.
A 14-gauge cannula can be used for decompression of a tension pneumothorax. It is inserted at the second intercostal space, mid-clavicular line.
What is the primary action of Metaraminol, and what is a common side effect?
What is the primary action of Metaraminol, and what is a common side effect?
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Explain the role of the manometer in patient care, and describe the proper frequency for its use.
Explain the role of the manometer in patient care, and describe the proper frequency for its use.
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What fluid does the pericardium produce, and what is its primary function?
What fluid does the pericardium produce, and what is its primary function?
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Describe the pathway of blood through the heart, starting with the superior and inferior vena cava.
Describe the pathway of blood through the heart, starting with the superior and inferior vena cava.
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What is the function of the SA node in the heart's electrical conduction system?
What is the function of the SA node in the heart's electrical conduction system?
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Explain the difference between depolarization and repolarization in the context of the heart.
Explain the difference between depolarization and repolarization in the context of the heart.
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What specific electrical event in the heart does the P wave on an ECG represent?
What specific electrical event in the heart does the P wave on an ECG represent?
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What is the normal heart rate range in beats per minute (BPM)?
What is the normal heart rate range in beats per minute (BPM)?
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What are the three primary categories of inotropes, and what is their general mechanism of action?
What are the three primary categories of inotropes, and what is their general mechanism of action?
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What is the primary indication for using dobutamine as an inotrope?
What is the primary indication for using dobutamine as an inotrope?
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Explain why vasopressin is a useful medication in cases of refractory vasodilatory shock.
Explain why vasopressin is a useful medication in cases of refractory vasodilatory shock.
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What is the primary action of metaraminol, and how does it achieve its effect?
What is the primary action of metaraminol, and how does it achieve its effect?
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Describe the difference between positive pressure and negative pressure ventilation.
Describe the difference between positive pressure and negative pressure ventilation.
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What does lung compliance refer to in the context of mechanical ventilation?
What does lung compliance refer to in the context of mechanical ventilation?
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What is the normal CVP range for a ventilated patient?
What is the normal CVP range for a ventilated patient?
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What is the main difference between volume-controlled ventilation and pressure-controlled ventilation?
What is the main difference between volume-controlled ventilation and pressure-controlled ventilation?
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What does the "a" wave represent on a CVP waveform?
What does the "a" wave represent on a CVP waveform?
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What is the role of PEEP in mechanical ventilation, and how does it affect the lungs?
What is the role of PEEP in mechanical ventilation, and how does it affect the lungs?
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What is the significance of the dicrotic notch on an arterial waveform?
What is the significance of the dicrotic notch on an arterial waveform?
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What is the primary purpose of capnography?
What is the primary purpose of capnography?
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How does the level of H+ ions relate to blood pH?
How does the level of H+ ions relate to blood pH?
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What is the normal range for PaO2 and what does it indicate?
What is the normal range for PaO2 and what does it indicate?
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What is the primary cause of lactate buildup in the body?
What is the primary cause of lactate buildup in the body?
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Explain the concept of "compensation" in relation to acid-base imbalances.
Explain the concept of "compensation" in relation to acid-base imbalances.
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What is the major difference between respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis?
What is the major difference between respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis?
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List at least three potential causes of metabolic acidosis.
List at least three potential causes of metabolic acidosis.
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What are two common causes of respiratory alkalosis?
What are two common causes of respiratory alkalosis?
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What does "RIPE" refer to in the context of a chest X-ray?
What does "RIPE" refer to in the context of a chest X-ray?
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Describe the appearance of pneumothorax on a chest X-ray.
Describe the appearance of pneumothorax on a chest X-ray.
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What is the expected location of the endotracheal tube (ETT) on a chest X-ray?
What is the expected location of the endotracheal tube (ETT) on a chest X-ray?
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What is the significance of the mediastinum on a chest X-ray?
What is the significance of the mediastinum on a chest X-ray?
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What two measurements are monitored on a ventilator in PRVC mode?
What two measurements are monitored on a ventilator in PRVC mode?
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What is the purpose of the 'Standby' function on a ventilator?
What is the purpose of the 'Standby' function on a ventilator?
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What does the "Alarm History" tab display on the ventilator?
What does the "Alarm History" tab display on the ventilator?
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Why is "compensation" included in the ventilator settings?
Why is "compensation" included in the ventilator settings?
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What are the potential risks if the patient circuit is changed without a new patient circuit test?
What are the potential risks if the patient circuit is changed without a new patient circuit test?
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What is the purpose of the "Expiratory Hold" function on the ventilator?
What is the purpose of the "Expiratory Hold" function on the ventilator?
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What is the default setting for the 'O2 Boost Level' in the ICU?
What is the default setting for the 'O2 Boost Level' in the ICU?
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What is the purpose of the "100% O2 Boost" function?
What is the purpose of the "100% O2 Boost" function?
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What is the recommended action when using a closed-suction system?
What is the recommended action when using a closed-suction system?
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What does the 'SIMV rate' setting on the ventilator represent?
What does the 'SIMV rate' setting on the ventilator represent?
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What does the 'PS above PEEP' setting represent in pressure support ventilation?
What does the 'PS above PEEP' setting represent in pressure support ventilation?
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What does the 'Ti/Ttot' value on the ventilator display indicate?
What does the 'Ti/Ttot' value on the ventilator display indicate?
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What is the purpose of the 'Trigger' setting on the ventilator?
What is the purpose of the 'Trigger' setting on the ventilator?
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What does the 'Pplat' value on the ventilator display represent?
What does the 'Pplat' value on the ventilator display represent?
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Explain how the 'Ti' setting on the ventilator impacts the flow rate of the delivered breath.
Explain how the 'Ti' setting on the ventilator impacts the flow rate of the delivered breath.
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What is the main physiological principle behind the use of Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) in mechanical ventilation?
What is the main physiological principle behind the use of Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) in mechanical ventilation?
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Describe the relationship between inspiratory resistance (Ri) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn) in the context of mechanical ventilation.
Describe the relationship between inspiratory resistance (Ri) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn) in the context of mechanical ventilation.
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What are the two main mechanisms by which increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can lead to a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)?
What are the two main mechanisms by which increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can lead to a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)?
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Why is proper management of body temperature crucial in patients with increased ICP?
Why is proper management of body temperature crucial in patients with increased ICP?
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Explain the significance of the "Cushing's Triad" in recognizing and managing increased ICP.
Explain the significance of the "Cushing's Triad" in recognizing and managing increased ICP.
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Describe the potential problems associated with overly high peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) during mechanical ventilation.
Describe the potential problems associated with overly high peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) during mechanical ventilation.
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How does positive pressure ventilation potentially contribute to the development of nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients?
How does positive pressure ventilation potentially contribute to the development of nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients?
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What are some of the potential psychological concerns associated with mechanical ventilation, and how might nurses address these?
What are some of the potential psychological concerns associated with mechanical ventilation, and how might nurses address these?
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Explain the difference between hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock, including their primary causes.
Explain the difference between hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock, including their primary causes.
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What is the main physiological principle behind the use of vasopressors in the management of shock?
What is the main physiological principle behind the use of vasopressors in the management of shock?
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Why is monitoring fluid balance crucial in patients with shock, and what are some potential signs of excessive fluid administration?
Why is monitoring fluid balance crucial in patients with shock, and what are some potential signs of excessive fluid administration?
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Describe the clinical utility of trigger flow settings in mechanical ventilation.
Describe the clinical utility of trigger flow settings in mechanical ventilation.
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Explain the significance of the "Inspiratory:Expiratory (I:E) ratio" in mechanical ventilation settings.
Explain the significance of the "Inspiratory:Expiratory (I:E) ratio" in mechanical ventilation settings.
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What are the three main components that contribute to intracranial pressure (ICP)?
What are the three main components that contribute to intracranial pressure (ICP)?
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What is the primary purpose of a hypertonic saline solution in the management of increased ICP?
What is the primary purpose of a hypertonic saline solution in the management of increased ICP?
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What are the three main categories of causes for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and briefly describe the mechanism of each category.
What are the three main categories of causes for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and briefly describe the mechanism of each category.
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Describe the main difference between unstable angina and a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in terms of cardiac biomarkers.
Describe the main difference between unstable angina and a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in terms of cardiac biomarkers.
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What is the primary indication for using the nutritional formula Nepro, and why is it a suitable choice for that specific patient population?
What is the primary indication for using the nutritional formula Nepro, and why is it a suitable choice for that specific patient population?
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Explain the two main types of chest tubes and their distinguishing characteristics.
Explain the two main types of chest tubes and their distinguishing characteristics.
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Describe how the bubbling pattern in a chest tube can guide clinical decision-making.
Describe how the bubbling pattern in a chest tube can guide clinical decision-making.
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What is the purpose of the intubating stylet, and how does it facilitate endotracheal intubation?
What is the purpose of the intubating stylet, and how does it facilitate endotracheal intubation?
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Name two medications used for intubation, and explain their respective roles in the process.
Name two medications used for intubation, and explain their respective roles in the process.
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Why is suxamethonium (succinylcholine) considered a neuromuscular blocker of last resort, and what specific caution should be taken when using it?
Why is suxamethonium (succinylcholine) considered a neuromuscular blocker of last resort, and what specific caution should be taken when using it?
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Study Notes
Safety Checks
- Armbands: Double-check armbands for DOB, name, and allergies. Verify information on IeMR and the monitor.
- Draw checks: Verify tubing (nasal prongs, Hudson mask, green tubing). Measure Guedel (mouth to earlobe; insert and turn 180 degrees). Insert 14g cannula (2nd intercostal space, mid-clavicular line) for tension pneumothorax decompression.
- Metaraminol (Hypotension): 0.5mg/ml, 1ml every 5 minutes. Alpha 1 receptor agonist; vasoconstrictor. Increases systolic and diastolic blood pressure (S&DPB). Side effect: possible bradycardia. Affects peripheral vasoconstriction, not heart rate directly.
- Manometer: Check at 30mmHg, at the start of the shift and after every turn.
- Extras: 10ml syringe and needle, ETT foam and ties, and emesis bags.
- Suction: Negative 80 or 300mmHg. Check Yankeur fullness and suction water cannister.
- Ambu-bag: Use peep valve if PEEP >5. Check for inflation with 15L O2.
- O2 Cylinder: Ensure cylinder is in the green zone (fullness).
- Extra checks: Confirm all plugs are in and on. Know the location of the blue button.
Lines
- Bags: Ensure bags are within their expiration dates; check lines expiry dates.
- Propofol: 12-hour expiry.
- Insulin, TPN, Nimodipine: 24-hour expiry.
- Amiodarone: 72-hour expiry.
Monitor
- Alarm Limits: Check and adjust alarms as needed; keep them tight (justify changes) and ensure arrhythmia monitoring is active.
Ventilator
- Connection: Verify connections.
- Humidification: Check water for humidification.
- Temperature: Check humidifier temperature.
- Settings and Alarms: Ensure appropriate settings and alarms are in place.
CVP (Central Venous Pressure)
- Definition: Pressure in the right atrium or superior vena cava, reflecting right heart filling pressure. Used to assess fluid balance, cardiac function, and monitor complications like heart failure.
- Traditional Belief: While widely used, the traditional belief that CVP reflects ventricular preload and predicts fluid responsiveness is now challenged by evidence.
- Measurement: Measured at the end of expiration and using a transducer positioned at the phlebostatic axis (typically 4th intercostal space, mid-axillary line). Transducer is zeroed at the level of the right atrium.
- Waveform: The CVP waveform shows key waves: a (atrial contraction), c (tricuspid valve closure), x (atrial relaxation), v (atrial filling), and y (tricuspid valve opening).
- Normal values: 0-6 mmHg in non-ventilated patients and 8-12 mmHg in ventilated patients.
ART Line
- Level: Zero the line at the phlebostatic axis (level of the top of the heart) or at the tragus for TBI patients.
ECO2 (Capnography)
- Definition: Measurement of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2).
- Placement Confirmation: Confirms endotracheal tube (ETT) placement.
- Resuscitation Guidance: Guides cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
-
Physiological Monitoring: Monitors cardiac and pulmonary physiology.
- Note: ETCO2 usually lower than PaCO2 due to circuit dead space.
ABG's (Arterial Blood Gases)
- pH: Hydrogen ion concentration (high H+ = acidosis, low H+ = alkalosis); normal range: 7.35-7.45.
- HCO3: Bicarbonate concentration (abnormal values suggest metabolic issue); normal range: 22-26 mmol/L.
- PCO2: Carbon dioxide partial pressure (abnormal values suggest respiratory issue); normal range: 35-45 mmHg (opposite acid/alkalosis correlation to pH).
- PaO2: Arterial oxygen tension (how well the lungs absorb oxygen); goal: >60 mmHg.
- Lactate: Measures anaerobic metabolism/inadequate oxygenation to cells; normal range: 0.5-2 mmol/L.
- Hb: Haemoglobin, measuring O2 carrying capacity.
Interpreting ABGs (3 steps)
- Assess pH (acidosis/alkalosis).
- Determine if respiratory or metabolic issue.
- Evaluate compensation (no, partial, or full).
Causes of Acid-Base Imbalances
- Metabolic Acidosis:* Increased acid, or loss of base (HCO3). Causes include renal failure, lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, and diarrhea.
- Metabolic Alkalosis:* Increased HCO3, or loss of metabolic acid. Causes include prolonged vomiting, GI suctioning, and hypokalemia.
- Respiratory Acidosis:* Increased CO2, leading to increased H+ (acid). Causes include hypoventilation (sedation, opioids), brain stem depression, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema.
- Respiratory Alkalosis:* Hyperventilation (excessive CO2 loss). Causes include anxiety, and hypoxemia (caused by heart failure).
Chest X-Ray Interpretation
- Details: Patient name, DOB, date, film type.
- RIPE Image: Correct rotation, inspiration (8-10 ribs visible), picture (costophrenic angles visible), exposure, and soft tissues.
- Airway & Mediastinum: Look for trachea, bronchi, and mediastinum size.
- Breathing (vascularity): Note lung markings, infiltrates, fluid, and pneumothorax.
- Circulation: Evaluate heart size (2/3 left and 1/3 right), cardiac space (half thoracic), and aortic knob.
- Diaphragm: Check for air under diaphragm (bowel obstruction) and costophrenic angles.
- Everything else: Check for unusual findings and note specific findings (ETT level, NGT placement, CVL position, pacemaker presence).
Cardiac Anatomy
- Endocardium: Inner lining of heart chambers; holds valves.
- Myocardium: Muscular layer; contracts.
- Pericardium: Thin outer covering; produces serous fluid for lubrication.
Blood Flow Through the Heart
Blood enters via vena cava, moves to atria, ventricles, through pulmonary/aortic valves, to lungs and then back to the heart, finally leaving through the aorta.
ECG Interpretation
- ECG: Electrical impulses through the heart.
- SA Node: Primary pacemaker (60-100 bpm).
- AV Node: Secondary pacemaker (40-60 bpm).
- Bundle of His + Purkinje Fibres: Conducts signal (20-40 bpm).
- Depolarization: Contraction.
- Repolarization: Relaxation.
- P-Wave: Atrial contraction.
- QRS Complex: Ventricular contraction.
- T-Wave: Ventricular relaxation.
- U-Wave: Purkinje fiber relaxation (often not present).
- Squares: Little squares = 0.04 seconds, big squares = 0.20 seconds.
Inotropes (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline, Dopamine, Dobutamine, Vasopressin)
- Action, Indications, Dosage, Infusion, Side Effects: Detailed information for each of these inotropes is provided, including general strengths, specific actions, intended use, typical dosages, potential infusion methods, and adverse effects.
Ventilator Modes
- SIMV: Synchronised intermittent mandatory ventilation (mandatory breaths at set tidal volumes, spontaneous breaths allowed; user controlled).
- Volume Control: Mandatory and spontaneous breaths at a set tidal volume.
- Pressure Control: Mandatory and spontaneous breaths at a set inspiratory pressure and time.
- PRVC: Pressure regulated volume control - Delivers set volume at lowest effective pressure.
- PS: Pressure support; patient-initiated breaths with pressure support.
Ventilator Display
- Left Side: Standby, alarm history, compensation, alarm limits, layout, manoeuvres (manual breath, static measurements).
- Nebulizer, O2 Boost Level, Patient data, 100% O2 boost, disconnection/suction.
- Right Side: Ppeak, PEEP, Pplat, RR, Ti/Ttot, O2 conc., VTe, VTi, MVe, Cdyn, VT/PBW.
- Flowee, MVi, RRsp, MVe sp, Ri, WOBvent, Ti, Pmean.
Ventilator Settings
- Tidal Volume (Vt): Set amount of air per breath (based on ideal body weight, 6-8 liters/kg).
- Respiration Rate: Breaths per minute.
- Minute Ventilation: Air in/out in a minute (Vt x RR).
- FiO2: Fraction of inspired oxygen.
- PEEP: Positive end-expiratory pressure (keeps alveoli open).
- PS: Pressure support (assists spontaneous breaths).
- Flow Rate/Volume: Gas speed (60-120 L/min).
- Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP): Highest lung pressure.
- Plateau Pressure (PPlat): End-inspiratory pressure (reflects lung compliance).
Potential Complications of Mechanical Ventilation
- Malfunction: Manually ventilate.
- Cardiovascular compromise: Monitor vital signs.
- Barotrauma: Monitor PIP, lung sounds.
- Infection: Good handwashing, tube/mouth care.
- Psychological Stress: Reassurance, calming explanations.
- Oxygen toxicity: Keep FiO2 low, PaO2 high.
- Fluid balance: Monitor weight, edema, FBC, and I/O.
- Gastric distension: Monitor bowel sounds & NG tube use.
Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
- Definition: Pressure within the skull (normal: 5-15 mmHg, action required if >22 mmHg).
- Monro-Kellie Hypothesis: Compensatory mechanism maintaining CPP (Cranial content volume - Blood, brain, cerebrospinal fluid).
- Factors influencing ICP: Temperature, oxygenation, body position, arterial/venous pressures, abdominal/thoracic pressure changes.
- Conditions causing ICP: TBI, increased CSF, bleeding, hematomas, tumors, hydrocephalus, infection (meningitis).
Signs and Symptoms Increased IC
- MINDCRUSHED: Mental status changes, Irregular Breathing (Cheyne-Stokes), Nerve changes (pupils), Decerebrate/decorticate posturing, Cushing’s Triad, Reflex changes, Unconscious, Seizures, Headache, Emesis, Deterioration of motor function.
Nursing Interventions of increased ICP (PRESSURE)
- PRESSURE: Position (HOB 30°), Respiratory, Elevated Temperature, Straining activities, Systems to monitor (neuro assessment), Unconscious; care (lung sounds, suction, skin care, nutrition).
- Prescriptions (vasopressors, antihypertensives, anti-convulsants, anti-emetics, hyperosmotics).
- Edema Management (avoid swelling, hypertonic saline).
Shock
- Types: Distributive (septic, anaphylactic, spinal), hypovolemic (hemorrhage, burns), cardiogenic (massive MI), obstructive (tamponade, tension pneumothorax).
- Low BP in Shock: Low cardiac output, high/low systemic vascular resistance.
- Consequences of low BP: Tissue ischemia & cell death.
AKI (Acute Kidney Injury)
- Definition: Sudden decrease in kidney function; waste buildup (BUN, creatinine), fluid retention, electrolyte imbalance.
- Oliguria: Reduced urine output.
- Causes: Pre-renal (poor perfusion), intra-renal (nephron damage), post-renal (urinary tract obstruction).
ACS (Acute Coronary Syndrome)
- Causes: Blocked coronary arteries; leading to myocardial ischemia.
- Types: STEMI (ST elevation, positive troponin), NSTEMI (ST depression/T wave inversion, positive troponin), unstable angina (ST depression/T wave inversion, negative troponin).
Nutritional Feeds
- Nutrison Plus: Isomolar feed.
- Isosource 2.0: For fluid-restricted patients.
- Nepro: Alternative for renal failure (not on RRT).
- RRT (Renal Replacement Therapy): Nutrison needed for higher protein demand.
- Seafood Allergy: Nepro or Isosource 2.0.
Chest Tubes
- Indications: Pneumothorax, hemothorax.
- Types: Underwater seal, thora-seal, Atrium Express.
- Assessment: Bubbling/no bubbling, swinging/no swinging, drainage (hourly monitoring; alert MO if >200ml/hr).
- Leak/Kink: Check connections.
Intubation Trolley
- Top: Portable ETCO2 (sidestream), charging.
- Sides: Masks (SM/L, paediatric).
- Front: Bougie, Cook airway exchange catheters;
- First draw: ETT, Laryngoscope, Guedel, Stylet, Magill forceps, Syringe.
- Pt piece: Tape & foam for ETT.
- Drugs: Propofol, Vecuronium, Succinylcholine.
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Test your knowledge on critical airway management and cardiac functions with this quiz. You'll cover essential procedures like measuring Guedel airways and the importance of the SA node. Perfect for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their understanding of patient care.