CHAPTER 1 The Critical Care Nurse
Introduction
Education and Experience
Standards, Organizations, and Certification:
Promoting Excellence
Communication and Health Care Team Members:
Calling the Shots
Defining the Critical Care Nurse
Regulatory Issues That Impact the Critical Care
Environment
Future Challenges for the Critical Care Nurse
Review Questions
Answers
CHAPTER 2 Care of the Patient With Critical Respiratory Needs
Anatomy and Physiology
Assessment Skills for the High-Risk Respiratory
Patient
Collaborative Diagnostic Tools
Oxygen Delivery Systems
Advanced Airway Techniques
What Is Mechanical Ventilation
Commonly Used Respiratory Medications in
Critical Care for the Patient on MV
Respiratory Conditions Requiring Critical Care
Review Questions
Answers
CHAPTER 3 Care of the Patient With Critical Cardiac and Vascular Needs
Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
Assessment Skills
Collaborative Diagnostic and Laboratory Tools
Advanced Procedural Skills
Cardiovascular Medications Used in Critical Care
Medical CV Conditions Requiring Critical Care
Surgical CV Conditions Requiring Critical Care
Review Questions
Answers
CHAPTER 4 Care of the Patient With Critical Cardiac Rhythm Disturbance Needs
Assessment Skills
Cardiac Electrophysiology
How Does Cardiac Monitoring Really Work?
So What Do These Systems See?
So How Does a Nurse Do Detective Work on
These Rhythm Strips?
Types of Basic Rhythms
Where Do 12-Lead ECGs Enter the Picture?
Medications That Help With Rhythm Stabilization
Special Cardiac Devices to Help Maintain the
Patients Rhythm
Cardiac Arrest: Your Worst Nightmare
Review Questions
Answers
CHAPTER 5 Care of the Patient With Neurological Needs
Introduction
Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System
Neurological Needs: Assessment
Assessing Motor MovementsStrength and
Coordination
Normal Pupils
Assessment of Eye Movements (EOMs) or
Extraocular Movements
Oculocephalic Reflex or Dolls Eyes Movements
Oculovestibular Reflex or Cold Caloric Test
Respiratory Patterns
Additional Assessments
Palpation
PercussionDeep Tendon Reflexes
Other Responses
Auscultation
Collaborative Diagnostic Tools
Medications That Help With Symptoms
Medical Conditions Requiring Complex Care
Surgical Conditions Requiring Complex
Neurological Care
Review Questions
Answers
CHAPTER 6 Care of the Traumatized Patient
Introduction
Mechanisms of Injury (MOI)
Classification of Injuries
Evaluating Reports from the Field
Trauma Center Levels and Classifications
Medications Used in Trauma Care
Fluid Volume Replacement (FVR)
Care of the Patient With Specific Traumatic Injuries
According to the ABCs of Trauma Assessment
Review Questions
Answers
CHAPTER 7 Care of the Patient With Endocrine Disorders
Introduction
Major Organs of the Endocrine System to Be
Addressed
Review Questions
Answers
CHAPTER 8 Care of the Patient With Critical Renal Needs
Anatomy and Physiology of the Renal System
Assessment Skills
Collaborative Diagnostic and Laboratory Tools
Medications Commonly Used in Critical Care
Dialysis
Acute and Chronic Renal Failure
Review Questions
Answers
CHAPTER 9 Care of the Patient With Critical Hematologic Needs
Anatomy and Physiology of the Hematologic
System
Assessment Skills
Collaborative Diagnostic and Laboratory Tools
Medications Commonly Used in Critical Care That
Affect the Hematologic System
Blood Products Used for Hematologic Problems
Medical Conditions That Require Critical Care
Review Questions
Answers
Final Exam Questions
Correct Answers and Rationales
Index