Acute Liver Failure Acute liver failure is defined as progressive liver disease with encephalopathy and INR > 1.5 in a person without previously known liver disease. In the following text, the English abbreviation ALF (Acute Liver Failure) is used. The condition is characterized by rapid deterioration of the liver's synthetic…
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Pulmonary Embolism Severe cases of pulmonary embolism are characterized by hypoxia with increasing circulatory failure. Unstable hemodynamics with signs of peripheral and cerebral hypoperfusion indicate decompensation and low cardiac output (CO). Pulmonary embolism causes an acute increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), leading to right ventricular (RV) failure. Wall tension…
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Burn injuries The most common injury mechanisms among burn injuries requiring hospital care are exposure to hot liquid (43%), open flame (15%), and electricity (9%). Children are overrepresented, accounting for 36% of all hospital-treated burns, most of them involving scald injuries. The depth of a burn depends primarily on the…
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Acute management of trauma cases is characterized by a quick and well-structured securing of the patient's vital parameters in a team effort. The work is led by a team leader in collaboration with other staff from the emergency department, ortopedic surgeon and anesthesia personnel. The composition of the team responsible…
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Acute trauma life support is characterized by a quick and well-structured securing of the patient's vital parameters in a team effort. The work is led by a team leader in collaboration with other staff from the emergency department, ortopedic surgeon and anesthesia personnel. The composition of the team responsible for…
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CPR for Children If there are no signs of life in the child: Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with five rescue breaths. For cardiac arrest in children, give five breaths immediately, then start CPR at a ratio of 15:2. Perform CPR for one minute before calling emergency services (112) if no…
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Peripheral Venous Catheter (PVC) A PVC consists of a plastic cannula with a stylet inside. The stylet is a sharp metal needle inside the cannula that is withdrawn immediately after positioning the plastic cannula in the vein. Some PVCs have a protective cover that occludes and protects against needle sticks…
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Arterial Needle A common arterial catheter for an adult patient measures 45 mm in length with a diameter of 1.1 mm, corresponding to 20G. An arterial catheter is typically connected to a pressure set (pressure line system) with an electronic transducer that can register and measure blood pulsations, displayed graphically…
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CVK - Insertion and Management In Sweden, more than 30,000 central venous catheters (CVK) are inserted each year. CVKs are placed to secure access to the bloodstream, which can be used over an extended period, usually 3-21 days. CVKs are also used to measure central hemodynamics. Central venous catheterization has…
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Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Effective circulation is fundamental in the care of critically ill patients. Cardiac arrest or cardiovascular collapse with insufficient circulation is common in emergency medicine and intensive care. Having a pre-planned strategy and access to relevant emergency equipment is essential for quickly and effectively managing cardiac arrest. CPR in…
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