Critically Ill Patients
Critically Ill Patients - Related Videos
09:44
Manual Muscle Testing: A Method of Measuring Extremity Muscle Strength Applied to Critically Ill Patients
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Cited by 135 •
2011
Survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and critical illness frequently develop long-lasting muscle weakness. Manual muscle testing (MMT) is a standardized clinical examination commonly used to measure strength of peripheral skeletal muscle groups. This video demonstrates MMT using the 6-point Medical Research Council scale.
06:28
Endotoxin Activity Assay for the Detection of Whole Blood Endotoxemia in Critically Ill Patients
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Cited by 3 •
2019
We hereby present a protocol to measure at the bedside the endotoxin activity of human whole blood samples. The Endotoxin Activity assay is a simple test to perform and may be a useful biomarker in critically ill patients with sepsis.
11:02
Identification and Quantification of Deranged Metabolites in Critically Ill Patients Using NMR-Based Metabolomics
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Cited by 3 •
2024
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is used to identify dysregulation in the metabolites in patients with various diseases. This technique allows the quantification of the deranged metabolites, unraveling the pathophysiological insights. Here, we describe the step-by-step procedure of the NMR-based approach for the metabolic characterization of the patients.
07:16
An Educational Video Demonstration of How to Prone a Critically Ill Intubated Patient
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2022
Proning a critically ill patient with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a complex but beneficial procedure. Excellent communication skills, team work, and multidisciplinary collaboration are critical for patient and staff safety. A standard procedure should be utilized when proning ventilated patients with tubes, drains, and vascular access devices.
04:16
Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide
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2026
Respiratory muscle weakness is highly prevalent in patients weaning from mechanical ventilation. Resistive inspiratory muscle training (IMT) can improve inspiratory strength and potentially weaning outcomes. This protocol provides a structured approach to offer IMT to selected patients based on the best available knowledge, facilitating its wider application in critical care.
FAQs
Organ dysfunction can emerge when oxygen delivery, circulation, inflammation, and homeostasis become disrupted at the same time or in sequence. These changes may impair essential organs and create secondary injury beyond the original illness or injury. Treatment therefore addresses both the underlying cause and the physiologic disturbances that threaten continued organ function.
A single evaluation may not capture rapid changes in disease severity or organ performance. Clinicians repeatedly review vital signs, laboratory results, and measures of organ function to detect deterioration, judge whether treatment is working, and identify new support needs. This ongoing assessment helps guide timely adjustments in intensive care and limit secondary injury.
Treatment is selected according to the physiologic problem and the organ support required. Mechanical ventilation may address impaired respiratory function, while fluid or medication therapy can support abnormal circulation. When kidney or circulatory function is insufficient, renal or circulatory support may be needed. Infection control and treatment of the underlying cause remain important parts of the plan.
Care begins with early recognition of threatened organ function, followed by repeated assessment of vital signs, laboratory findings, and organ performance. Clinicians then identify and treat the underlying cause while providing support for affected systems. Because the condition may change quickly, this process continues through coordinated monitoring, reassessment, and adjustment of interventions.
These interventions are used when acute illness or injury disrupts functions needed to maintain stability. Mechanical ventilation provides respiratory support, while fluids and medications can address circulatory abnormalities or other treatment needs. Their use is guided by ongoing clinical and laboratory assessment, allowing clinicians to match support to changing organ function rather than applying the same approach to every patient.
Coordinated intensive care can help limit secondary injury, clarify prognosis, and improve survival and recovery. Its value comes from combining early recognition, repeated evaluation, treatment of the underlying cause, and organ support when necessary. In medicine, this coordinated approach also helps teams respond to rapid deterioration while tracking whether organ performance is stabilizing or worsening.