All hospitals have critically ill patients, and their management depends upon the resources available. In many low income countries, critically ill patients may be admitted to a critical care unit; however, many are nursed on wards due to a lack of critical care beds or simply die before they reach the hospital.

This book provides guidance on the unique situations for nurses working in these challenging environments, while considering ethical decision-making, providing appropriate services, and the types of patients admitted. Topics covered include:

• working in a resource limited environment;

• cultural awareness and international agendas;

• provision and access to healthcare services;

• ethical considerations in the context of resource limited environments;

• best practice and knowledge regarding rehabilitation, pain management, managing a major incident;

• relevant research concerning resource limited environments. Critical Care Nursing in Resource Limited Environments prepares readers to consider how best to utilise their skills and deliver safe patient care within a resource limited context. Each easy-to-read chapter provides core knowledge and relevant research, as well as useful ideas and solutions, with further reading sections to signpost readers to key international resources. This text provides practical ideas for nurses working in critical care and defence nursing, and acute areas in resource limited environments. It can also be used to support educational courses and pre-deployment training for nurses hoping to work in Global Health.

Autorentext

Chris Carter is a Major in Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, where he has had roles as a practitioner and as an educator. He is currently a nurse lecturer at the Defence School of Healthcare Education, Department of Healthcare Education, Birmingham City University, UK. Major Carter chairs the Royal College of Nursing Defence Nursing Forum.

Inhalt

1. Introduction: Expect the unexpected

2. Working in a resource limited environment

3. Cultural awareness and sensitivities *Sue Viveash

4. International agendas

5. Access and provision of healthcare services

6. Providing critical care in resource limited environments

7. Critical care equipment

8. Environmental and infection prevention control considerations

9. Managing a major incident in critical care

10. Ethical considerations and mission creep

11. Recognition of the acutely ill patient

12. Oxygen therapy and monitoring

13. Mechanical ventilation

14. Sepsis and septic shock

15. HIV

16. Tuberculosis

17. Tropical medicine

18. Malaria

19. Tetanus

20. Cholera

21. Sickle cell anaemia

22. Principles of trauma care

23. Principles of burns care

24. Surgical care

25. Principles of wound care

26. Surgical site infection

27. Pain management

28. Women's health

29. Paediatrics

30. Organophosphate poisoning

31. Snake and scorpion bites

32. Hypertension

33. Diabetic keto-acidosis

34. Resuscitation

35. Useful calculations

36. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy

37. Nutrition

38. Sharing best practice and knowledge

39. Conducting audit and research in resource limited environments