Malnutrition is defined as a lack of macronutrients (calories) OR a lack of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Here, we will consider undernutrition in terms of inadequate consumption of macronutrients. Anthropometric indices Indices Description Weight for age (W/A) This is used…
Summary of important social milestones Age Milestones 1 month old Prefers human faces, reacts to voice, and establishes eye contact 2 months old Social smile 4 months old Sustained social smile, laughs 6 months old Prefers caretaker, stranger anxiety starts…
Summary of important motor milestones Age Milestones 1 month old Raise their head off the table 2 months old Holds their head steady while sitting on the lap 4 months old Lifts head above plane; grasp objects; 2x birthweight 6…
Overview Cardiac Arrest Cardiac arrest refers to the sudden loss of pulse, drop in blood pressure, and loss of perfusion. Death results in 5 minutes without proper resuscitation (but brain damage results earlier than this). This is a medical emergency.…
Cardiogenic pulmonary oedema is fluid accumulation in the alveoli and lung interstitium due to heart failure. It is characterized by increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP > 10 mmHg) secondary to ineffective lung filling or pumping. Classification of pulmonary oedema…
The overall strategy for managing congestive heart failure is to reduce pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and thereby decrease pulmonary oedema. Pulmonary pressure can be reduced by increasing stroke volume, increasing left ventricular ejection fraction, reducing systemic vascular resistance (afterload), increasing heart…
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a disorder of the pumping or filling ability of the heart. The most common cause is coronary artery disease and chronic hypertension. It commonly presents with symptoms suggesting volume overload. According to the American Heart…
Antihypertensives Antihypertensives are a group of drugs that are used to lower blood pressure. They mainly consist of vasodilators and diuretics Antihypertensives, their major side effects, and their indications Class Side effects Indications Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEi) Hyperkalemia, Cough,…
Hypertension is defined as blood pressure >140-90mmHg on 3 separate readings. Hypertension has many causes and many complications. The majority of patients with hypertension are asymptomatic. This is why screening should be performed every 3 years. Hypertension is the greatest…
The time is 0830hrs on a Monday morning, at the hospital ICU. Mr M. and I have headed there early, hopeful to catch the morning care routine of a patient with a tracheostomy tube. This is for learning purposes in…