…Outside it the risk of injuring the diaphragm, liver, spleen or internal thoracic artery increases. For diagnostic aspiration the point chosen is instead where the…

…Diagnostic paracentesis 1. Scan the left lower quadrant. Confirm at least 2–3 cm of free fluid depth with no bowel in the path of…

…cord ends at T12–L1, so these levels encounter only the roots of the cauda equina. If in doubt: choose a level lower, never higher…

…lip) Venous drainage towards the cavernous sinus Surgeon or ENT; often antibiotics Palm, fingers, tendon sheaths Deep compartments and tendon sheaths, loss of function Orthopaedic…

…or the cut off finger of a sterile glove rolled down. A nail splitter or strong pointed scissors, a Freer elevator or small artery forceps…

…and always urgent. A large pericardial effusion with symptoms despite medical treatment. Diagnostic drainage in suspected purulent pericarditis, tuberculosis or malignancy. Tamponade is a clinical…

…a needle due to reduced risk of injury. Thoracostomy should be performed promptly following needle decompression. Thoracostomy with drainage typically serves as a stabilizing intervention…

…is because it does not ensure complete drainage of the pericardium, and needles or catheters are at risk of bending or damage during chest compressions…

…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…

…impairment or a large residual volume. A need for accurate measurement of urine output in a critically ill patient. Perioperatively and postoperatively in longer procedures…