Essential Topics in Critical Care Medicine for Primary Care Providers

Learning Objectives:

- Discuss the different methods used to differentiate cardiac and non-cardiac pulmonary edema and the different methods used to treat them.
- Describe the most recent recommendations for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and the reasons for these recommendations. The main focus will be on fluid, vasopressor, steroid and glucose control therapy and ulcer and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis.
- Analyze the most recent literature related to ICU triage to help physicians make better ICU triage decisions. - Explain the religious and cultural differences noted for ICU end of life decisions and the differences in end of life decision making around the world.
- Describe the 10 characteristics which make physicians excellent and help health care professionals improve their skills in providing their patients the best possible care.
- Discuss recent recommendations for preparing for pandemics and other disasters.
- Describe the differences found in elderly patients compared to younger patients with particular emphasis on sepsis.