{"title":"Respiratory assessment and care","authors":"D. Briscoe","doi":"10.1093/MED/9780198793458.003.0002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/MED/9780198793458.003.0002","url":null,"abstract":"Respiratory conditions are a common complication for the acutely ill patient. Early recognition of the onset of a respiratory crisis is fundamental to prevent further deterioration of the acutely ill patient. This chapter provides a discussion of the respiratory system and the physiological mechanisms which control respiratory function with a useful overview of common respiratory symptoms. The principles of arterial blood gas analysis, respiratory support mechanisms, and tracheostomy care precedes a discussion of three commonly encountered respiratory disorders; asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, with focus upon nursing and medical support to support patients with these acute illnesses. A large proportion of emergency admissions to acute care wards are due to these diseases and thus a good understanding of the assessment and management of these conditions is essential.","PeriodicalId":140394,"journal":{"name":"Care of the Acutely Ill Adult","volume":"58 2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116591925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Transfer of acutely ill patients","authors":"E. Gardner","doi":"10.1093/MED/9780198793458.003.0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/MED/9780198793458.003.0012","url":null,"abstract":"Transfers are undertaken to improve the management of the patient and therefore play a crucial part within a patient’s journey. It is therefore essential that the nurse has a clear understanding of the potential impact of moving critically ill patients and the problems that may occur during transfer. The transfer of patients, especially between hospital sites, is not without risk and adverse events that could have been prevented are well documented within the literature. The potential risks entailed in transferring an acutely ill patient within and between hospitals are explored in this chapter. There is a focus on pre-transfer preparation, the clinical skills and equipment required during transfer, and the importance of good communication skills to ensure patient safety.","PeriodicalId":140394,"journal":{"name":"Care of the Acutely Ill Adult","volume":"42 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126128897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fluid assessment and associated treatment","authors":"Heather Baid","doi":"10.1093/med/9780199564385.003.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780199564385.003.007","url":null,"abstract":"This chapter explores the normal anatomy of the intravascular, interstitial, and intercellular fluid compartments, the mechanism of normal fluid homeostasis and compensatory mechanisms. The common causes of fluid deficit and fluid excess are highlighted alongside the role of fluid assessment and replacement using intravenous therapy using fluids or blood products. This also discussed with reference to the nurse’s role in evaluating fluid status. Finally, there is also a useful section on the metabolic emergencies of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome.","PeriodicalId":140394,"journal":{"name":"Care of the Acutely Ill Adult","volume":"31 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122287822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Neurological care","authors":"F. Creed","doi":"10.1093/med/9780198793458.003.0004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780198793458.003.0004","url":null,"abstract":"This chapter explores neurological acute care and includes discussion of normal physiology and physiological changes following illness and injury. In order to understand how to assess and manage the patient with neurological conditions it is essential to have an understanding of the structure and function of the brain and how injury/illness can affect this. Additionally, the chapter explains the importance of accurate and timely neurological assessment and specific nursing care of patients with neurological injury. It emphasizes the need for prompt intervention and appropriate escalation if patients exhibit signs of deterioration. Common neurological conditions of stroke, head injury, and epilepsy are discussed.","PeriodicalId":140394,"journal":{"name":"Care of the Acutely Ill Adult","volume":"157 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121533403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Acute kidney injury","authors":"C. Osorio, Theo Fotis","doi":"10.1093/MED/9780198793458.001.0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/MED/9780198793458.001.0001","url":null,"abstract":"Assessing and supporting kidney function is an integral aspect of acute care. AKI (acute kidney injury) may cause sudden, life-threatening biochemical disturbances and hence the early identification, escalation to treatment and management of AKI is an important focus in the management of acutely ill patients. This chapter reviews kidney anatomy and physiology followed by the nursing care involved in assessing and managing abnormal kidney function. The focus is on relevance and applicability to clinical practice and understanding of kidney function as protective measures and early detection of anomalies greatly reduces the risk of acute kidney injury. Common renal pathologies are explored and the role of renal replacement therapies is discussed.","PeriodicalId":140394,"journal":{"name":"Care of the Acutely Ill Adult","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121758516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Acute emergency situations","authors":"L. East","doi":"10.1093/med/9780199564385.003.013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780199564385.003.013","url":null,"abstract":"An essential part of nursing in an acute care area is to be fully prepared to deal promptly and effectively with any acute emergency situation. More acutely ill patients are being cared for within ward environments, which place an ever-increasing need for staff to be competent and confident in the care and management of those at risk of cardiac arrest. The importance of a multidisciplinary and coordinated response to acute emergencies is explored in this chapter which focuses on using evidence-based resuscitation procedures. Early identification of peri-arrest arrhythmias and the management of patient in cardiac arrest to maximize patient survival are the cornerstones of this chapter. There is also brief discussion of the utility of cardiac pacing and cardioversion and the management of the patient with anaphylaxis.","PeriodicalId":140394,"journal":{"name":"Care of the Acutely Ill Adult","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2010-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128507887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cardiovascular assessment and care","authors":"C. Spiers","doi":"10.1093/MED/9780199564385.003.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/MED/9780199564385.003.003","url":null,"abstract":"Cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of death in the United Kingdom. The early recognition of cardiovascular deterioration in the acutely ill patient is an essential skill for practitioners in acute care. This chapter offers an overview of the cardiovascular system and normal physiological and compensatory mechanisms which support cardiovascular function. Cardiac assessment is explored in some detail including symptom review, cardiac monitoring, and chest pain assessment. The complex subject of arrhythmia interpretation and management is reviewed in some depth. The chapter concludes with a focus on the management of acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and cardiogenic shock. All three conditions are potentially life-threatening and rapid assessment and treatment is essential to prevent mortality; evidence-based management of these conditions is considered in detail within this chapter.","PeriodicalId":140394,"journal":{"name":"Care of the Acutely Ill Adult","volume":"79 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2010-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124520290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}