Principles of Clinical Measurement

While it is directed primarily to those training and in practice in anaesthesia, the scope of this book should interest all critical care personnel and specialist nurses. In this edition the shift is away from coverage of principles to include greater discussion of their applications.

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During a surgical operation it is the responsibility of the anaesthetist to maintain the vital functions of the patient in order that the surgical team may give their full attention to the procedure. The anaesthetist carries out a very similar role in the intensive care unit which is staffed largely by anaesthetists. This involves constant measuring and monitoring of many physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, body temperature, muscle tone, blood gases and anaesthetic dosage. In order to do this effectively, the anaesthetist must rely on a vast array of highly complex and sophisticated electronic equipment. Not only must he know how to operate this equipment but he must also be able accurately to interpret and act upon the information it supplies.