…liver, lung or vessel lies in the path of the needle. Access Puncture site Direction Comment : : : : Subxiphoid 1–2 cm below and to the left

…either via the subxiphoid or apical window, is generally considered less effective than thoracotomy. This is because it does not ensure complete drainage of the…

…of the abscess or at least half its diameter. Too small an incision is the commonest technical error. 4. Cut straight into the cavity with…

…spicules are left behind — which is the commonest cause of recurrence. Indications Condition Procedure : : Acute paronychia with fluctuance or visible pus Incision and drainage Acute…

…admission of a patient with known ascites. Clinical deterioration in a cirrhotic patient with ascites: fever, abdominal pain, encephalopathy, rising creatinine, gastrointestinal bleeding, leucocytosis or…

…the liver or spleen, the lung and the fluid level. 2. Choose a point with at least 15 mm depth of fluid throughout the respiratory…

…Diagnosis of a tension pneumothorax can be made via auscultation, where asymmetric lung sounds are noted, specifically with an absence of sounds on the affected…

…equipment A laryngeal mask of the correct size plus one size above and one below. Second generation masks with a separate drainage channel (i gel…

…intracranial hypertension. Therapeutic drainage in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and in assessment before shunt surgery. Contraindications Clinical signs of herniation — deep unconsciousness with unreactive pupils, an…

…retention. Chronic urinary retention with renal impairment or a large residual volume. A need for accurate measurement of urine output in a critically ill patient…