title: Lessons learned: critical care management of patients with Ebola in the United States.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This report will describe the preparations for and the provision of care of two patients with Ebola virus disease in the biocontainment unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patient medical records.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Safe and effective care of patients with Ebola virus disease requires significant communication and planning. Adherence to a predetermined isolation protocol is essential, including proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment. Location of the patient care area and the logistics of laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, and the removal of waste must be considered. Patients with Ebola virus disease are often dehydrated and need adequate vascular access for fluid resuscitation, nutrition, and phlebotomy for laboratory sampling. Advanced planning for acute life-threatening events and code status must be considered. Intensivist scheduling should account for the significant amount of time required for the care of patients with Ebola virus disease. With appropriate precautions and resources, designated hospitals in the United States can safely provide care for patients with Ebola virus disease.
authors.affiliation: 1Division of Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE. 2Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE. 3Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE.
authors.forename: Daniel W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: James N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Craig A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Piquette
authors.forename: Angela L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Hewlett
authors.forename: Kristina L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: Philip W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Andre C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Kalil
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lisco
mesh_terms: D058109:Airway Management; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003142:Communication; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019142:Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010356:Patient Isolation; D011482:Protective Devices; D014481:United States; D062666:Vascular Access Devices