Critical Care and Anaesthesia

This chapter presents case studies of different persons requiring critical care and dosage of anaesthesia. Treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome is based upon four general principles: serial monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure, analgesia and correct body positioning; optimisation of systemic perfusion and organ function; appropriate medical procedures including treatment of underlying cause to reduce intra-abdominal pressure and end-organ consequences; and prompt surgical decompression for refractory intra-abdominal hypertension. A supraventricular tachycardia is characterised by uncoordinated atrial activity. Fibrillation waves vary in amplitude, shape and size on the electrocardiograph. Point-of-care device provides in vitro assessment of the coagulation system in the whole blood sample, from beginning of clot formation to fibrinolysis. The three components of general anaesthesia are: hypnosis (unconsciousness); analgesia; and muscle relaxation. Common intraoperative complications include hypotension and dysrhythmias; loss of protective airway reflexes and respiratory drive; and hypothermia. Postoperatively, patients may have a sore throat related to airway-management devices.