Avoiding Common ICU Errors

Book excerpt: This pocket book succinctly describes 318 errors commonly made by attendings, residents, interns, nurses, and nurse-anesthetists in the intensive care unit, and gives practical, easy-to-remember tips for avoiding these errors. The book can easily be read immediately before the start of a rotation or used for quick reference on call. Each error is described in a short, clinically relevant vignette, followed by a list of things that should always or never be done in that context and tips on how to avoid or ameliorate problems. Coverage includes all areas of ICU practice except the pediatric intensive care unit.