What is the difference between a group and save and a crossmatch?
Group and Save and Crossmatch are two different tests necessary to request prior to a blood transfusion. Blood transfusions are common in clinical practice, and…
What is the Glasgow coma scale?
Versão portuguesa clique aqui The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a scale that allows health professionals to assess conscious level impairment in response to defined…
Tracheostomy – an artificial airway
Tracheostomy is an artificial opening / incision through the neck into the trachea, usually between the 2nd and 4th tracheal rings, allowing the opening of the airway…
Fact 25 – Fetal circulation: What are the cardio-pulmonary changes after baby takes 1st breath?
Before baby is born: Fetus do not breath, instead they use the umbilical cord attached to their mother's placenta: Through the umbilical vein, the fetus…
Intraoperative Hypothermia: causes, effects and treatment
Intraoperative hypothermia is a common side effect of anaesthesia when patients undergo surgery. Hypothermia is defined when patient core temperature is less than 36ºC .…
When should the antibiotics be given? Before or after tourniquet is inflated?
Administer antibiotics BEFORE tourniquet is inflated Antibiotics should be given to the patient at the same time of giving anaesthetic or on earlier stage if…
ASA grade system
ASA Grading System It classifies the physical status of the patient preoperatively and assess how the patient will tolerate the anaesthesia. ASA 1 - Normal…
Types of central venous catheters (CVC)
Permcath, Vascath, Portacath, Hickmann line, PICC line - what are the differences? Permcath® and Hickmann® line are Tunnelled catheters Vascath® is a Non-tunnelled catheter Portacath® is…