Why your loved one was moved to the ICU
Hearing your loved one was moved to the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) can be frightening. Yet, this specialized unit will make sure they have the extra care they need.
ICUs are designed to treat acutely and critically ill patients who require vigilant nursing care. ICU floors cover a wide range of specialties, such as cardiology and neurology, and age groups, including neonatal, pediatric and adult.
An ICU patient is generally admitted for one of three reasons:
1. They are physiologically unstable. This includes unstable vital signs and/or unconsciousness requiring advanced clinical care.
2. They are at risk for serious complications. This increased risk requires frequent assessments and often invasive interventions.
3. They need vigilant hands-on nursing care. This includes the use of intravenous (IV) medications and advanced technology, such as mechanical ventilation or intracranial pressure monitoring.
When your loved one first arrives to the ICU, the care team will assess them for life threatening conditions, start appropriate interventions, evaluate the outcomes of the interventions, and provide education and emotional support to loved ones.
How can you help your loved one in the ICU?
Caregivers play a valuable role in an ICU patient’s recovery. Here’s how you can help:
- Link them to the outside world by sharing family news or job updates.
- Help them with decision making, if prompted.
- Assist with daily activities to provide a sense of normalcy.
- Act as a liaison between the patient and the care team, advising them of the patient’s wishes.
- Visit them frequently to provide a sense of familiarity and security.
Katarzyna Charytoniuk is a cardiac intensive care unit registered nurse at Advocate Health Care.
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