Section 2 Flashcards
(40 cards)
What are the key principles of critical care in emergency medicine?
Immediate stabilization, monitoring of vital signs, airway management, and prevention of further deterioration.
What is the primary objective in the management of sepsis?
Early recognition and rapid initiation of antibiotics and fluid resuscitation.
What is the role of mechanical ventilation in critical care?
To support or replace spontaneous breathing in patients with respiratory failure.
How is shock classified in critical care?
Hypovolemic, Cardiogenic, Distributive, and Obstructive.
What is the recommended initial fluid for resuscitation in shock?
Crystalloid solutions like Normal Saline or Lactated Ringer’s.
What are the main goals of fluid resuscitation in shock?
To restore circulating volume, maintain blood pressure, and improve tissue perfusion.
What is the target MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure) in managing shock?
> 65 mmHg.
When is vasopressor therapy indicated in shock?
When fluid resuscitation fails to restore adequate blood pressure and perfusion.
What is the primary vasopressor used in critical care for shock?
Norepinephrine.
What is ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)?
A life-threatening condition where fluid leaks into the lungs, causing severe respiratory distress.
What is the recommended tidal volume for mechanical ventilation in ARDS?
6 mL/kg of predicted body weight.
What is the purpose of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in ventilated patients?
To prevent alveolar collapse and improve oxygenation.
What is the significance of lactate levels in critical care?
Elevated lactate levels may indicate tissue hypoxia and metabolic stress.
How is cardiac output monitored in critical care?
Using invasive monitoring (e.g., pulmonary artery catheter) or non-invasive methods (e.g., echocardiography).
What are the primary complications of mechanical ventilation?
Barotrauma, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and decreased cardiac output.
What is the purpose of sedation in critical care?
To reduce pain, anxiety, and discomfort during mechanical ventilation and invasive procedures.
What are the indications for intubation in critical care?
Airway protection, respiratory failure, and decreased consciousness.
What is the role of blood transfusion in critical care?
To restore oxygen-carrying capacity and volume in patients with severe anemia or hemorrhage.
What are the signs of impending respiratory failure?
Tachypnea, hypoxia, hypercapnia, and altered mental status.
How is delirium managed in critical care?
Through supportive care, minimizing sedatives, and maintaining sleep-wake cycles.
What is the main purpose of therapeutic hypothermia in critical care?
To reduce brain injury following cardiac arrest.
What is ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)?
A life-support technique for patients with severe heart or lung failure.
How are electrolyte imbalances managed in critical care?
By monitoring serum levels and administering supplements or adjustments as needed.
What is the role of diuretics in critical care?
To reduce fluid overload and manage heart failure or pulmonary edema.