Introduction

• Critically ill patients are typically unstable therefore rapid and profound changes in organ function can occur.
• When assessing and monitoring critically ill patients, it is important to ensure the 3 major body systems are stable first:
  • Cardiovascular system.
  • Respiratory system.
  • Neurological system.
• Once these organ systems are stable, then the remaining patient can be assessed and monitored. A useful checklist to use is the Kirby's Rule of 20 Kirby's Rule of Twenty.

Cardiovascular system

Pulmonary function

Neurological status

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Burkitt Creedon J M & Davis H (2012) Advanced Monitoring and Procedures for Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Barton L (2003) Monitoring the critical patient. A Bridge to the Future Veterinary Conference.