Intracranial Pressure Measurements Fernando Stein An elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) is a common complication in patients with head injury, neoplasia, cerebral vascular accidents, infections, or metabolic disorders. ICP is…
Echocardiography Jason T. Su Thomas A. Vargo Echocardiography is the diagnostic gold standard for the evaluation of cardiac anatomy and myocardial function in most pediatric patients in the intensive care…
Measurement of Cardiac Output Carmen C. Cosio Thomas A. Vargo Cardiac output is an important hemodynamic variable in the assessment of cardiovascular function. Cardiac output (liters per minute) equals the…
Vascular Catheters Carmen C. Cosio Thomas A. Vargo PERIPHERAL VENOUS CATHETERS Venous cannulation is the most common procedure performed in a pediatric hospital. It is indicated for administering therapeutic drugs…
Temperature-Controlling and Temperature-Sensing Devices Fernando Stein Jose C. Cortes Four types of temperature-controlling devices are used commonly in the intensive care unit (ICU): the cooling/heating blanket, the heated water-filled mattress,…
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Problems Paul D. Sponseller Most children’s musculoskeletal problems present first to the pediatrician. She/he is entrusted to triage them and sort out those needing observation from…
Rheumatic Diseases of Childhood James T. Cassidy The rheumatic diseases of childhood comprise a group of heterogeneous disorders that result in inflammation of the connective tissues of the body. A…
Infusion Devices Fernando Stein Jose C. Cortes A standard practice of pediatric intensive care is to give intravenous fluids and medication through an infusion device. These devices guarantee the constant…
Electrocardiographic and Respiratory Monitors Carmen C. Cosio Thomas A. Vargo The monitoring of cardiorespiratory parameters is an integral part of the care of critically ill children. Life-threatening cardiopulmonary derangements occur…
Intensive Care: Physical Environment Nathan Rodgers Fernando Stein The pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) is only as good as the people who work in it. Although having excellent equipment is…
