This user-friendly introductory textbook is written specifically for both qualified nurses who are working in intensive care units and also for those undertaking post-registration courses in the speciality.

pt. I. Contexts of care : Nursing perspective ; Humanism ; Psychological care -- pt. II. Fundamental aspects : Artificial ventilation ; Airway management ; Sedation ; Acute pain management ; Thermoregulation ; Nutrition and bowel care ; Mouthcare ; Eye care ; Skincare ; Children in adult ICUs ; Older patients in ICUs ; Infection control ; Pandemic planning -- pt. III. Monitoring : Respiratory monitoring ; Gas carriage ; Arterial blood gas analysis and acid/base balance ; Haemodynamic monitoring ; Blood results ; ECGs and dysrhythmias ; Neurological monitoring -- pt. IV. Micropathologies : Cellular pathology ; Immunity and immunodeficiency ; Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) -- pt. V. Respiratory : Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) ; Alternative ventilatory modes -- pt. VI. Cardiovascular : Acute coronary syndromes ; Cardiac intervention and surgery ; Shock ; Sepsis ; Fluid management ; Inotropes and vasopressors ; Vascular surgery -- pt. VII. Neurological : Central nervous system injury ; Peripheral neurological pathologies -- pt. VIII. Abdominal : Acute kidney injury ; Haemofiltration ; Gastrointestinal bleeds ; Liver failure ; Obstetric emergencies ; Transplants -- pt. IX. Metabolic : Severe acute pancreatitis ; Diabetic crises ; Self-poisoning -- pt. X. Professional : Professional perspectives ; Transferring critically ill patients ; Managing the ICU ; Cost of intensive care.