General ICU Care

DVT prophylaxis in hospitalized and critically ill patients  Every hospitalized/critically ill patient should undergo a daily assessment of VTE risk AND bleeding risk. If VTE risk is significant and bleeding risk is acceptable → pharmacological prophylaxis, usually LMWH, is preferred. If pharmacological prophylaxis is contraindicated → intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) should be used.   Why […]

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis  What Does an ABG Measure? Parameter Normal arterial value significance pH 7.35–7.45 Overall acid–base status PaCO₂ 35–45 mmHg Respiratory component / alveolar ventilation PaO₂ 80–100 mmHg in young adult on room air Oxygenation SaO₂ ~95–100% Arterial Hb oxygen saturation HCO₃⁻ 22–26 mEq/L HCO₃⁻(actual) → bicarbonate at the patient’s actual PaCO₂

Nutritional Assessment in ICU A common pitfall in nutritional assessment is misinterpreting the effects of acute illness (e.g., albumin shifts in septic shock) as indicators of underlying malnutrition. History  Acute disease effects: Conditions like sepsis, trauma, or inflammation can cause fluid shifts, hypoalbuminemia, and weight fluctuations, which may not reflect true nutritional status. Oral intake

Enteral Nutrition in ICU Every critically ill patient staying for more than 48 h in the ICU should be considered at risk for malnutrition. Initiation of Nutrition Therapy in Critically Ill Patients (ESPEN 2023) Recommendation Practical ICU Points Start medical nutrition therapy (MNT) Consider nutrition support for all ICU patients, especially if ICU stay is

Anaphylaxis  According to the World Allergy Organization (WAO): Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction characterized by rapidly developing airway, breathing and/or circulation problems, usually associated with skin and mucosal changes. Types of Anaphylaxis Feature IgE-Mediated Anaphylaxis (Classic) Non-IgE Mediated Anaphylaxis (Formerly “Anaphylactoid”) Frequency Most common type Less common Immune Mechanism IgE antibody-mediated hypersensitivity

Tracheostomy Emergencies Classification  Early (<7 days) Late (>7 days) Hemorrhage Tracheo-innominate fistula Tube obstruction Granulation tissue Accidental decannulation Tracheal stenosis False passage Tracheomalacia Pneumothorax Tracheoesophageal fistula Surgical emphysema Infection Tube displacement Mucus plugging Wound infection Tube fracture “DOPES Approach” Cause What to Check Management D Displacement ETT/tracheostomy tube displaced, accidental extubation, endobronchial intubation Check tube