This well-illustrated book provides detailed guidance on all aspects of physical examination in patients requiring emergency or intensive care. After an introductory section covering basic principles and the recognition of pre-terminal signs, the approach to examination of individual organ systems is clearly explained. Examination schemes are then presented for particular conditions or settings, including respiratory distress, shock, neurological disease, trauma, suspected infection, and cardiac arrest.
The skill of physical examination has become the forgotten art of medicine in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Furthermore, most books on the topic have so far focused on examination practices applicable to non-critically ill patients. In emergency and intensive care medicine, however, a different approach and sometimes also different examination techniques are required due to the life-threatening disease process. In summarizing knowledge and providing guidance on physical examination in this specific subgroup of patients, this book will meet the needs of all physicians and allied health care professionals involved in the care of critically ill patients.
"The major strength of the book is that it is so easy to use. The illustrations and guidance will help readers to perform clinical examinations in a structured way. ? The book would be of value for clinicians in any intensive care unit, emergency room, and for physicians and paramedics working in the prehospital field." (Ann Merete Møller, Anesthesia & Analgesia, Vol. 130 (1), January, 2020)
"Providers at all levels practicing in the disciplines caring for medical and surgical critical illness in the adult will find this guide useful. Because of the wide range of problems examined, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and internists will be able to find information on presentation and typical examination findings for problems relevant to their normal scope of practice." (David J. Dries, Doody's Book Reviews, June 14, 2019)
"The text is up-to-date, clearly written, and usefully goes back to the basic principles of examination skills and builds up the knowledge base. A myriad of clear photos demonstrating a vast amount of pathology, and systematic figures fill the book to aid learning." (Edward Gilbert-Kawai, British Journal of Hospital Medicine, Vol. 79 (12), December, 2018)
