Rules of the Intensive Care Unit:

If you don’t understand something, ASK

Keep the family informed

ALWAYS talk to the Nurse
Talk early in the day to establish the patient’s schedule
What is happening with the patient?
Has the patient been OOB?

Be brave! ICU nurses can be intimidating

NEVER ignore an ICU nurse

Watch the patient’s vital signs

If something can go wrong, it will…..be prepared
Additional Comment I forgot:
Check the bed brakes before moving a patient

Walk around the bed to check for lines before moving a patient

ALWAYS know a patient’s code status

ALWAYS look at the patient when monitors go off

If concerned about a patient’s response,
STOP therapy, get the nurse

KNOW when a patient is UNSTABLE….
chest pain, brady/tachycardia,
unrelenting dyspnea/tachypnea,
hypo/hypertension,
diminished level of consciousness