Interpreting arterial blood gases (ABGs) is a common practice in intensive care units. The use of the temperature correction facility, however, is not standardized, and the effects of temperature correction on the ABG result may affect the overall management of the patient. The aim of this study was to discuss the significance of temperature correction. Current practice in the UK and Australia is discussed along with a review of physiological principles of oxygenation and acid-base balance. The alpha-stat and pH-stat methods of blood gas analysis are presented, with arguments for and against using the temperature correction facility for blood gas analysis. The study concludes with recommendations for practice.

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This paper discusses airway management in the post anaesthetic care unit (PACU). Many patients will be extubated on arrival to the PACU, however a small number will need further support with tracheal intubation. Patient assessment is a key role for the PACU staff and using the ABCDE approach will provide a systematic method for assessing the patient and determining suitability for extubation. Care of the patient following extubation is also described.

People with cardiovascular disease may present to nurses in various settings and at varying stages of their disease. Accurate assessment ensures that patients receive the care and treatment they need. Eliciting a clear clinical history from patients helps to guide a targeted clinical examination and is a critical step in the assessment process that will ensure suitable management and treatment are started in an appropriate time frame. This article will give an overview of the skills and techniques required to obtain an accurate patient history from a patient presenting with possible cardiac problems.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the recognition, treatment and investigation of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction. It is characterized by rapidly developing life-threatening airway and/or breathing and/or circulation problems usually associated with skin and/or mucosal changes. The incidence of anaphylaxis appears to be increasing. A wide range of triggers can cause anaphylaxis. Drugs are the commonest cause of anaphylaxis in hospital and foods in the out-of-hospital setting. Patients having anaphylaxis should be treated using the airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure (ABCDE) approach. Early treatment with intramuscular adrenaline is the treatment of choice for patients having anaphylaxis. Intravenous adrenaline must only be used when the patient is monitored and only by those skilled and experienced in its use. A raised serum mast cell tryptase suggests a diagnosis of anaphylaxis. All those who are suspected of having anaphylaxis should be referred to a specialist in allergy. Individuals at high risk of anaphylaxis where the trigger is difficult to avoid should carry an adrenaline auto-injector and receive training and support in its use.