tients with a grade 2 presentation, noninvasive
oxygen administration results in normalization of
clinical status within 6 to 8 hours, and they can
then be sent home.
21
Patients whose clinical status deteriorates are admitted to an intermediate
care unit for prolonged observation. Patients with
a presentation of grade 3 to 6, who usually need
intubation and mechanical ventilation, are admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).