The process of inserting a flexible plastic tube into the windpipe (trachea) to assist or control breathing, often necessary for patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own.
A mechanical device used to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by delivering oxygen to the lungs and removing carbon dioxide from the body, crucial in managing critically ill patients with respiratory failure.
Continuous assessment of blood flow and pressure within the cardiovascular system to guide treatment decisions, typically involving techniques like arterial catheterization, central venous catheterization, and pulmonary artery catheterization.
A life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to organ dysfunction. Early recognition and prompt treatment are vital for improving outcomes.
The progressive failure of two or more organ systems in response to a critical illness or injury, often seen in severe sepsis, trauma, or other conditions requiring intensive care.
A severe form of acute lung injury characterized by sudden onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange, respiratory failure, and often requiring mechanical ventilation.
Administration of medications that increase the force of heart contractions to improve cardiac output in patients with severe heart failure or shock.
The use of medications to temporarily paralyze skeletal muscles, often employed in conjunction with mechanical ventilation to optimize oxygenation and reduce ventilator-induced lung injury.
A state of acute confusion and altered mental status commonly observed in critically ill patients, attributed to various factors including underlying illness, medications, or environmental stressors.
Specialized medical care focused on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, emphasizing symptom management, psychosocial support, and advance care planning, particularly relevant in critical care settings for patients with life-limiting conditions.