This book aims to guide practitioners in the initial management of the critically ill patient within the ward setting. It is aimed at a range of healthcare professionals including junior doctors, registered nurses physiotherapists and students. It is also relevant to practitioners who are moving into a setting that cares for acutely ill patients.

It is divided into sections according to the ABCDE approach, as routinely used and taught in critical care and resuscitation training, with the intention of promoting consistent and prompt management of patients, and to prevent further deterioration. Ward-based Critical Care contains many useful features such as clinical scenarios, hot tips and practical skills and the text is richly illustrated and cross-referenced throughout.

CONTENTS:

• • ABCDE approach throughout
  • Up-to-date guidelines and policies
  • Initial physiological observations at admission and assessment
  • Treatment plans based on diagnosis and past medical history
  • Guidance on frequency of physiological observations
  • Use of ‘track and trigger’ systems
  • Graded response strategies
  • Effective handover during patient transfer
  • Physiological and psychosocial needs of the patient