Ideally suited for students in critical care rotations and residents, this concise, practical handbook presents the essentials of medical and surgical critical care in an easy-to-read format. The authors succinctly explain the pathophysiology underlying clinical disorders and the key principles of diagnosis and patient management, emphasizing cost-effective approaches.

The Fourth Edition includes Controversies in Critical Care boxes in many chapters, which briefly summarize opposing arguments on controversial points. Other highlights include enhanced discussion of CT for abdominal disorders, new ACLS guidelines, and new material on removable IVC filters, interventional radiologic techniques for GI bleeding, and use of vascular ultrasound.

Section I: TECHNIQUES AND METHODS IN CRITICAL CARE

1: Hemodynamics

2: Hemodynamic Monitoring

3: Support of the Failing Circulation

4: Arrhythmias, Pacing, and Cardioversion

5: Respiratory Monitoring

6: Airway Intubation

7: Indications and Options for Mechanical Ventilation

8: Practical Problems and Complications of Mechanical Ventilation

9: Positive End-Expiratory and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

10: Weaning and Discontinuation of Mechanical Ventilation

11: Intensive Care Unit Imaging

12: Acid-Base Disorders

13: Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders

14: Blood Conservation and Transfusion

15: Pharmacotherapy

16: Nutritional Assessment and Support

17: Analgesia, Sedation, and Therapeutic Paralysis

18: General Supportive Care

19: Quality Improvement and Cost Control

Section II: MEDICAL AND SURGICAL CRISES

20: Cardiopulmonary Arrest

21: Acute Coronary Syndromes

22: Hypertensive Emergencies

23: Venous Thromboembolism

24: Oxygenation Failure, ARDS, and Acute Lung Injury

25: Ventilatory Failure

26: ICU Infections

27: Severe Sepsis

28: Thermal Disorders

29: Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy

30: Clotting and Bleeding Disorders and Anticoagulation Therapy

31: Hepatic Failure

32: Endocrine Emergencies

33: Drug Overdose and Poisoning

34: Neurological Emergencies

35: Chest Trauma

36: Acute Abdomen

37: Gastrointestinal Bleeding

38: Burns and Inhalational Injury

Appendix