ICU OnePager

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation

#criticalCare #ventilation #ICUequipment #oxygenation #waveforms 

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is a valuable technique to support oxygenation and ventilation in people with respiratory failure to potentially avoid intubation. This #OnePager reviews when to (and when not to) use NIPPV, as well as modes  (CPAP, BiPAP/BiLevel, & AVAPS) an

Overview of Ventilator Modes

#criticalCare #ventilators #ventilation #oxygenation

Choosing the ‘right’ ventilator mode and settings can be tricky. Here’s an ICU #OnePager with an overview of the most common modes (Volume Control Pressure Control, PRVC, SIMV, PS, etc) including pros and cons for each and an overview of the parameters you need to set. This #OnePager also defines some important concept

Mastering MV: Volume Assist/Control

#criticalCare #ventilators #volume #waveforms

Here’s an ICU OnePager with lots of details about how (and when) to use volume assist/control. Lots of useful details like, how to adjust flow rates and waveforms to optimize for comfort or improve I:E ratio.

Pulse Oximetry

#criticalCare #ICUequipment #oxygenation #waveforms #monitors 

We use pulse oximetry on every patient every day in the ICU, but how does this machine actually work and, importantly, how does it fail? This ICU #OnePager reviews the principle of pulse oximetry and the many factors that can cause inaccurate readings: darker skin pigmentation, nail polish, low flow states (ECMO & LVADs), 

Nasal Oxygen Delivery Devices

#criticalCare #pulmonary #oxygenation #ICUEquipment

Most people breathe through the nose, and it’s a common route for administering supplementary oxygen. This OnePager reviews nasal oxygen delivery devices, including conventional nasal cannula (NC), reservoir nasal cannula, and heated high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). It also covers apneic oxygenation.

Hypoxia & Hypoxemia

#criticalCare #pulmonary #oxygenation #ventilation 

Understanding Hypoxemia (low oxygen in the blood) & hypoxia (low oxygen in the tissues) is a fundamental part of critical care. This OnePager reviews all the key concepts (oxygen content & delivery, Aa gradient) and explains all FIVE causes of hypoxemia (low inspired O2, alveolar hypoventilation, V/Q mismatch, right to left shun