Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Why the ABC's? When a patient is brought into a trauma center in extremis, or becomes that way for whatever reason, it's Airway, Breathing and Circulation. Nearly simultaneously with the treatment is the need to assess patient status or the results of treatment with measurements-the blood gases, ventilatory status, renal function, acid-base assessment and other directly related tests such as electrolytes, glucose or troponin. Our intent in this work is to provide the non-specialist physician, and those in the professional supporting professions, a quick overview of the testing performed in this environment. Since many of the tests have been added singly or in small groups over the years as the clinical and measurement technology evolved the rationale for the tests may have become less clear, especially to the non-specialist physician and to professionals in different parts of the support team. We begin with a clinical and physiologic overview of each of the key aspects in critical care testing and then present a cyclopedic dictionary of all (hopefully) of the terms used associated with these measurements. Since this last section is 'Cyclopedic', we don't limit our definitions to a 'Webster's' approach, but expand with personal vignettes, historical notes and detailed insight whenever possible. We hope you find this work enjoyable and useful.