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