Critical Care Assessment
摘要
The intensive care unit (ICU) provides the opportunity for pharmacists to have a specialized and unique practice. Caring for critically ill patients requires pharmacists to have additional knowledge and skills and to be able to conduct critical care assessments. Critical care assessments are performed daily for each patient due to their unstable conditions. Pharmacists assess patient medications, conduct a review of systems, and check microbiology, lab results, and other investigations regularly. Additionally, knowledge of special topics such as dosing drugs in patients with feeding tubes, decreased renal or hepatic function, or on dialysis is essential in ensuring safe drug use for all patients. Pharmacists’ involvement in the care of critically ill patients can make a significant impact on patient care and clinical outcomes and decrease patient morbidity and mortality.