critical care

care (kār) the services rendered by members of the health professions for the benefit of a patient.

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coronary care  see under unit.

critical care  see intensive care unit, under unit.

intensive care  see under unit.

primary care  the care a patient receives at first contact with the health care system, usually involving coordination of care and continuity over time.

respiratory care 

1. the health care profession providing, under a physician's supervision, diagnostic evaluation, therapy, monitoring, and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders.

2. respiratory therapy; the diagnostic and therapeutic use of medical gases and their apparatus, and other forms of ventilatory support including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

secondary care  treatment by specialists to whom a patient has been referred by primary care providers.

tertiary care  treatment given in a health care center that includes highly trained specialists and often advanced technology.

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critical care.

See intensive care.

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critical care,

n See intensive care.

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critical care

patient care pertaining to a crisis in a disease.

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critical care medicine

emergency care for victims of trauma or disease.

critical care unit

a unit in a hospital in which special patient care staff and units, including ECG, blood gas analysis apparatus, resuscitation and life support equipment are available and used.

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critical care

Hospital medicine Medical care administered to seriously ill hospitalized Pts, which is best provided in the controlled environment of an ICU; CC may be provided in the OR, recovery room, and ER. See Code–blue, Crash cart, Critical illness/injury, ICU.