Physiological Basis of Acute Care

The aim of this book is to simplify physiological principles in a logical manner and provide important and relevant content to help care providers better manage their acutely ill patients. First time learners as well as health care professionals needing a short refresher course in physiology will find simple, easy-to-understand, basic physiology that is relevant to both the student and the professional care provider. With a focus on the importance of good oxygen delivery as the basis of sustaining life, this book links the fabric of life together and enables readers to apply the principles of physiology to clinical problems and situations. Understanding why the patient has become unwell and how the patient may present, signs and symptoms of patient deterioration as well as the recommended management of these patients enables the care provider to prioritize care decisions relating to the needs of the acutely ill patient. Thus, care providers will be able to incorporate this new way of examining patients so that care which is often approached in a clinical manner, will now be physiologically driven.