Role of nurse in ICU Key Concept of Nursing Role: The role of a critical care nurse involves continuous monitoring, high-acuity clinical interventions, and rapid life-saving decision-making for patients facing life-threatening conditions . They manage advanced medical technology, administer complex therapies, and serve as the primary link between the patient, the medical team, and the family. Clinical Monitoring and Assessment Vitals : Tracks continuous ECG rhythms, arterial blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Hemodynamics : Monitors central venous pressure (CVP) and pulmonary artery pressures. Neurology : Assesses neurological status using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) regularly. Lab Work : Reviews arterial blood gases (ABGs), electrolytes, and metabolic panels constantly. Advanced Interventions and Technology Management Ventilation : Manages ventilator settings like ACV or PRVC, monitors PEEP, and performs endotracheal suctioning. Medications : Titrates p...
ICU equipment with uses in Critical Care Nursing These are several equipment supplies used in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and their specific clinical uses: sources: gpt & gemini Advanced Life Support & Respiratory Equipment Mechanical Ventilator (Breathing Machine) : Takes over or assists with breathing for patients with respiratory failure by pumping oxygenated air into the lungs through an endotracheal tube. High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) : Delivers warmed, humidified oxygen at high flow rates to patients who are struggling to breathe but can still breathe on their own. Bag-Valve-Mask (Ambu Bag) : A handheld device used by nurses to manually pump air or oxygen into a patient's lungs during respiratory arrest or emergency transport. Defibrillator / Crash Cart : Delivers an electric shock to the heart to reset a lethal, chaotic heart rhythm (like ventricular fibrillation) back to a normal rhythm. Suction Machine : Uses negative pressure to clear mucus, saliva, blood, or v...