Inverse ratio ventilation (IRV) is a ventilation strategy used in mechanical ventilation to improve oxygenation in patients with respiratory problems. It works by altering the typical breathing pattern to prioritise inhalation over exhalation. Here’s a breakdown of IRV: Normal Breath Cycle: Inverse Ratio Ventilation (IRV): How IRV Works: Indications: Settings and Monitoring: Complications and Management: […]
Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV)
Pressure Release Ventilation (PRV), also known as Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV), sometimes referred to as BiVent, is a mode of mechanical ventilation that provides two levels of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and allows spontaneous breathing throughout the respiratory cycle. It is particularly useful for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other […]
Pressure controlled ventilation (PCV)
Pressure controlled ventilation (PCV) is a type of mechanical ventilation where the ventilator delivers a breath to the patient’s lungs at a preset pressure for a set inspiratory time. Unlike volume-controlled ventilation, which delivers a specific volume of air, PCV delivers a breath until a certain pressure is reached. The primary goal is to achieve […]
Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV)
Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) is a mode of mechanical ventilation that assists patients with their spontaneous breaths by providing a preset level of pressure support during inspiration. Key Features: How It Works: Indications: Advantages: Potential Challenges: Important Considerations: Weaning Process with PSV: Summary: Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) is a valuable mode of mechanical ventilation, particularly […]
Lung Protective Ventilation
Lung protective ventilation is a crucial strategy in mechanical ventilation, particularly for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), aimed at minimising ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). This approach involves specific ventilatory settings to reduce the risk of barotrauma, volutrauma, and biotrauma. Here are the key components and principles of lung protective ventilation: Key Components Clinical […]
Basics of Invasive ventilation
Invasive ventilation therapies are medical procedures used to assist or replace spontaneous breathing in patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own. These therapies are commonly used in critical care settings, such as intensive care units (ICUs), during surgery, or in emergency situations. Types of Invasive Ventilation Indications 2) Severe Pneumonia 3) Chronic […]
Drug Idiosyncrasies
Drug idiosyncrasies (Unforeseen Reactions) are unexpected and abnormal reactions to medications that are not dose-related or related to the known pharmacological properties of the drug. These reactions are typically unpredictable and often result from genetic variations, immune responses, or other individual-specific factors. Characteristics Examples Contraindications of Crushing Tablets Crushing tablets can alter the intended absorption, […]
Clotting Factors, Products & Abnormalities
Clotting factors, also known as coagulation factors, are proteins in the blood that work together to form a blood clot. This process, known as coagulation, is essential for stopping bleeding when an injury occurs. Clotting factors are part of a complex cascade of events, each activating the next in a precise sequence to ensure efficient […]
ROTEM Testing
ROTEM Testing ROTEM (Rotational Thromboelastometry) testing is a diagnostic tool used to assess the coagulation status of a patient’s blood in real time. It provides detailed information on clot formation, stability, and dissolution by measuring the viscoelastic properties of blood clots. This is particularly useful in managing bleeding disorders, guiding transfusion therapy, and monitoring coagulation […]
Re-feeding Syndrome
Re-feeding syndrome is a serious metabolic complication that can occur when malnourished individuals are reintroduced to food or nutrition too quickly. It happens because the body’s metabolism undergoes significant changes during malnutrition leading to severe electrolyte and fluid shifts. This condition is characterised by rapid changes in phosphate, potassium, and magnesium levels. Risk Factors Pathophysiology […]