Medcast news and blog
Gas trapping & breath stacking - What is your asthmatic patient telling you?
This article explores the risks and management of dynamic hyperinflation in mechanically ventilated patients with status asthmaticus. It outlines causes such as airway obstruction and bronchospasm, and provides strategies for adjusting ventilation settings to minimise gas trapping, support cardiac function, and reduce complications like pneumothorax and systemic hypotension.
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While cardiac arrest is often a rare event, the high stakes nature means we need to be able to respond instinctively, ensuring immediate effective action when it matters most. How do you stay prepared in-between ALS or PALS courses?
Nutrition plays a vital role in the recovery of critically ill patients. Evidence-based recommendations for patients in the ICU focus on the timing, energy requirement and protein targets as well as the role of micronutrients. The route of administration is not always straightforward and best guided by the patient's clinical needs, indications and contraindications.
This blog provides essential CPR practice tips for healthcare professionals completing online BLS assessments. It emphasises following the DRSABCD flowchart, inflating the training manikin before use, maintaining 100-120 compressions per minute with a metronome or music, and ensuring CPR is only performed on a manikin. A demonstration video is included.
We explore the case of Edward, a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI), focusing on renal protection strategies. It explores fluid management, blood pressure control, nephrotoxic drug adjustments, and electrolyte monitoring. Treatment considerations include vasoactive medications, dialysis options like CRRT, and medication dosing to support renal recovery and prevent complications.
Admission of an unstable patient into the ICU requires a smooth transition of care with all team members pitching together to balance critical assessments, with immediate interventions to stabilise the patient. Do you understand your role?
Wayne is a 68-year-old post-CABG patient with third-degree heart block on temporary epicardial pacing who suddenly experiences a bradycardia and hypotension.
67-year-old Ling, recently relocated from China, was admitted to the stroke unit post-thrombolysis for an ischaemic stroke. When should early stroke rehabilitation begin and what should this entail?
Antiseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT®) plays a critical role in managing Central Venous Access Devices (CVADs) to prevent infections. While both standard and surgical ANTT approaches aim to maintain asepsis during procedures, they differ significantly in their application and outcomes. Understanding these distinctions ensures healthcare providers optimise infection control and patient safety in wound care and CVAD management.
The complexity of clinical communication necessitates a shift in resuscitation training. We should challenge terms like "soft skills" and "non-technical skills," and instead refer to them as essential resuscitation skills. A holistic approach that highlights the interconnectedness of these skills is vital for achieving optimal patient outcomes.