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The Basics of Critical Care

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Abstract

This chapter revises some of the most common causes of sudden cardiac arrest such as coronary artery disease (CAD), dysrhythmias, myocarditis, and pericardial tamponade among others. It reviews the main indications for CPR in the ICU as well as cardiac monitoring and dysrhythmia recognition. It emphasizes on defibrillation as the major determinant of survival in cardiac arrest due to VF or pulseless VT. The cardiopulmonary interactions are reviewed in great detail, such as the alveolar air equation. A comprehensive review of mechanical ventilation as well as common initial ventilator settings are reviewed.

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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Varon, J. (2016). The Basics of Critical Care. In: Handbook of Critical and Intensive Care Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31605-5_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31605-5_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-31603-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-31605-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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