This document provides an overview of critical care nursing. It defines critical care as medical care for critically ill or injured patients whose conditions are unstable. A critical care nurse is responsible for ensuring optimal care for critically ill patients and their families using a holistic approach. They care for patients with conditions affecting major organ systems like the heart, lungs, brain and gastrointestinal system. Critical care units are classified by level of care needed, from monitoring in level I to multiple organ support in level III. The principles of critical nursing care include prioritizing patients, early detection, collaborative practice, communication and critical thinking.
3. Critical care Nursing
Critical care is defined: Medical care for a critically ill or injured patient
or is term used to describe as care for patients who are extremely ill
and whose clinical condition is unstable.
Critical care unit: is a specially designed and equipped facility staffed
by skilled personnel to provide effective and safe care for patients with a
life threatening problems.
A critical care nurse is a licensed professional nurse who is responsible
for ensuring that critically ill patients and their families receive optimal
care
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4. Promote optimal delivery of safe and quality to the critically ill patients and their
families
Care for the critically ill patients with a complete approach:
• biological, psychological and cultural
Use appropriate knowledge and clinical skills, supported by advanced technology
for:
• prevention, early detection and treatment
Provide palliative care to the critically ill patients in situations.
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6. Pulmonary system :
Acute respiratory failure
Pulmonary embolism
Massive Hemoptysis
Neurologic disorder :
Intracranial hemorrhage
Severe head injury
Meningitis with altered mental status
Status epilepticS
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7. GI disorders:
Life threatening GI bleeding
Hepatic failure
Severe pancreatitis
miscellaneous:
Severe shock
Acute renal failure
Poly trauma ( multiple organ failure )
Severe burn
Any critical Abnormalities
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8. Types of Critical care units
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Psychiatric intensive care unit ( PICU)
Special care nursery ( SCN)
Respiratory intensive care unit (RICU)
Cardiac surgery intensive care unit ( CSICU)
Cardiovascular intensive care unit ( CICU)
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9. Types of Critical care units
Medical intensive care unit ( MICU)
Medical surgical intensive care unit ( MSICU
Neurointensive care unit ( NICU)
Burn intensive care unit ( BICU)
Trauma intensive care unit ( TICU)
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10. Classification of critical care units
Level I
Care for wide variety of disorders
Provides monitoring, observation and short term ventilation
Does not require organ support
Medical staff are not present in the unit all the time
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11. Classification of critical care units
Level II
Provide observation, monitoring and long term ventilation
Patients need single organ support
Junior medical staff are present in the unit all the time
Consultant medical staff is available if needed
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12. Classification of critical care units
Level III
Provide all aspects of intensive care
Patients need two or more organ support or need mechanical
ventilation
One nurse per patient
Doctor present in the unit all the time
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13. Principles of critical nursing care
Priorities of patients
Early detection and promote action
Collaborative practice
Communication
Crisis intervention and stress reduction
Critical thinking
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14. Critical Care Nurses Responsibilities
• Support and respect for the patients autonomy.
• Helping the patient to obtain the necessary care.
• Continuous monitoring.
• Efficient individualized care.
• Counseling and information to family.
• Record all activities.
• Maintain infection control principles.
• Administering IV fluids and Medications
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