This well-illustrated book provides detailed guidance on all aspects of physical examination in patients requiring emergency or intensive care. After an introductory section covering basic principles and the recognition of pre-terminal signs, the approach to examination of individual organ systems is clearly explained. Examination schemes are then presented for particular conditions or settings, including respiratory distress, shock, neurological disease, trauma, suspected infection, and cardiac arrest. The skill of physical examination has become the forgotten art of medicine in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Furthermore, most books on the topic have so far focused on examination practices applicable to non-critically ill patients. In emergency and intensive care medicine, however, a different approach and sometimes also different examination techniques are required due to the life-threatening disease process. In summarizing knowledge and providing guidance on physical examination in this specific subgroup of patients, this book will meet the needs of all physicians and allied health care professionals involved in the care of critically ill patients.

Rapid Assessment of the Acutely Ill Patient sets out the principles and practices needed for early recognition and assessment of patients either at risk of or showing signs of acute deterioration, or those recently relocated from higher levels of care. The focus is on patient assessment, interpretation and evaluation of data, immediate management of significant problems, ongoing and further assessments in order to improve clinical outcomes. Rapid Assessment of the Acutely Ill Patient provides a framework for a systematic initial patient assessment and explores principles of effective assessment. Body systems are considered in order of life-threatening priority following the ABCDE approach, dealing with the assessment and management of airway, breathing, circulation, disability - and everything else; covering topics such as visual, palpatory and auscultatory assessment, use of additional documented information (charts, notes etc), and interpreting diagnostic investigations. Methods to ensure effective communication and team-working are also discussed. Key features Part of the Essential Clinical Skills for Nurses series Aimed at nurses working in wards and specialist departments Explores the assessment skills required for a rapid response to a patient at risk of becoming acutely unwell Enables students and practitioners to develop practical and interpretative skills Provides a framework for assessment and principles of first line treatment Includes 'Look', 'Listen', 'Feel' and 'Measure' icons

Today, an increasing number of healthcare professionals (including nurses, midwives and members of many allied professions) have to conduct the vital first stage in a patient’s journey – taking a clinical history and conducting an effective physical examination. This book offers clear, practical guidance on the fundamentals of clinical examination for any practitioner who wishes to understand their patient’s specific needs and to plan appropriate care. Recognising that readers will come from a diverse range of clinical backgrounds and roles, the opening chapter (on consultation and the skills needed to take an accurate clinical history) underpins the systems-based approach. This, combined with the use of case study examples, allows healthcare professionals to focus on the principles of examining the system or systems that are most relevant to their specific area of practice. The book also includes a helpful glossary and list of abbreviations. This new, updated edition contains revised chapters on genitourinary assessment, obstetric assessment and mental health assessment. There is also a completely new chapter on eye, ear, nose and throat assessment, covering the EENT conditions most commonly encountered in primary healthcare. Contents include: • Consultation and clinical history-taking skills • Respiratory assessment • Cardiovascular assessment • Gastrointestinal assessment • Neurological assessment • Genitourinary assessment • Musculoskeletal assessment • Obstetric assessment • Mental health assessment • Perioperative assessment • Eye, ear, nose and throat assessment

Critical care medicine is one of the fastest-growing areas of practice, and Critical Care Study Guide, 1st ed,, was the first reference to combine both concise text and reviews with questions. The second edition expands and improves coverage, including comprehensive studies in airway management, cardioversion and defibrillation, medical ethics, and the use of blood products. The unique combination of text with questions and answers makes this a crucial reference for all practitioners and residents who see patients in the Intensive Care Unit, and those planning to sit for medical boards.