This well-illustrated book provides detailed guidance on all aspects of physical examination in patients requiring emergency or intensive care. After an introductory section covering basic principles and the recognition of pre-terminal signs, the approach to examination of individual organ systems is clearly explained. Examination schemes are then presented for particular conditions or settings, including respiratory distress, shock, neurological disease, trauma, suspected infection, and cardiac arrest.

The skill of physical examination has become the forgotten art of medicine in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Furthermore, most books on the topic have so far focused on examination practices applicable to non-critically ill patients. In emergency and intensive care medicine, however, a different approach and sometimes also different examination techniques are required due to the life-threatening disease process. In summarizing knowledge and providing guidance on physical examination in this specific subgroup of patients, this book will meet the needs of all physicians and allied health care professionals involved in the care of critically ill patients.

Foreword

Preface
Part I. General approach to the critically ill patient
Basic principles
The first impression
Checking vital functions
Recognizing pre-terminal signs
Part II. Examining single organ systems
The airway and lungs
The circulation
The brain
The abdomen
The liver
The hydration status and the kidneys
The neuromuscular system and spinal cord
The coagulation
Part III. Systematic examination schemes
The patient in respiratory distress
The patient in shock
The patient with a neurological disease
The patient with severe trauma
The patient with a suspected infection
The patient in cardiac arrest
The intoxicated patient
During the ICU ward round
Part IV. Appendix. Dermatological pearls for the intensivist.