Critical care helps people with life-threatening injuries and illnesses. It might treat problems such as complications from surgery, accidents, infections, and severe breathing problems, and involves close, constant attention by a team of specially-trained health care providers. Critical care usually takes place in an intensive care unit (ICU) or trauma centre (MedlinePlus).



This third edition has been fully revised to present the latest advances in the provision of critical care. Beginning with an introduction to intensive care, resuscitation, monitoring procedures and imaging, the following sections discuss critical care for different conditions including cardiovascular problems, fever and acute infections, respiratory disorders, critical care after open heart surgery, and in pregnancy.



Other chapters cover fluid and electrolyte disturbances during critical care, nutritional support, and care of critically ill children, and a brand new chapter on end of life care has been added to this edition.







Key points





New edition presenting latest advances in provision of critical care
Fully revised chapters cover critical care for numerous different disorders
Includes brand new chapter on end of life care
Previous edition published in 2005