We all hope that we never have to receive a phone call
that a loved one is admitted into the ICU.
The word ICU itself carries such a taboo
and further adds to our stress.
However, what is an ICU?
What really happens in there?
What are the different types of interventions?
When a loved one is admitted into the ICU,
this could raise so many questions for family or friends
which can make it challenging
to cope with their critical condition.
In this video, we hope to inform the family and friends
on the frequently asked questions
when a loved one is admitted into the ICU.
We will provide you with information on
number one, what exactly is the ICU
and the breakdown of the different types of ICU,
common reasons for admission,
the healthcare professionals that will be taking care of your loved ones,
ICU interventions and treatment procedures,
and finally, how to support loved ones during their stay in the ICU.
So, let's start. What exactly is the ICU?
Well, ICU is an abbreviated term that stands for the intensive care unit.
In an intensive care unit,
healthcare professionals provide
specialized medical care and intensive care monitoring
to help support patients who are critically ill.
There are many different types of ICUs
within a hospital that are specialized for
different diseases, conditions, and even organ systems.
Now, this raises the question of
why might a patient be admitted into the ICU?
Well, the underlying reason is
because a patient is at high-risk or
is currently experiencing a life-threatening condition.
In the ICU, they are provided with specialized treatments
and close monitoring to aid with their recovery.
Some common reasons for an ICU admission are pain,
infection, sepsis, organ failure,
shock, delirium, weakness,
respiratory failure, acute brain injuries,
postoperative care, or trauma.
During your visit to the ICU,
you will notice that there are many healthcare professionals
that will be looking after your loved ones
as they work in a multidisciplinary team.
This includes the ICU physician team
who also works with other medical teams
to receive consultations on specific conditions
and treatment procedures.
There's also the ICU nursing team,
which consists of a primary bedside nurse
who provides twenty-four-hour nursing care
and has specialized training in intensive care.
In addition, there's also a supporting team
of healthcare professionals who
includes a respiratory therapist
who monitors the breathing machines,
physiotherapists, dieticians,
pharmacists, and social workers.
Who are all there to support you as well.
It could be overwhelming to see a loved one attached to
so many machines as it raises so many questions.
Could they hear me? How will they eat?
Are they still breathing on their own?
As their support system, it's reassuring to learn about
what takes expect when your loved one is in the ICU
as it helps to stay connected
during such a difficult time.
So, let's go over some interventions
that you could expect to see in the ICU.
You can expect your loved one
to be connected to a bedside monitor.
At first glance, it could seem like a lot is going on
as it shows different numbers
and makes alarm sounds.
However, each number measures a different vital sign.
First, we have the heart rate,
which helps to detect any arrhythmias.
Which are unusual changes at the rate
at which the heart is beating,
whether it's too fast or too slow.
Then we have the blood pressure.
This is measured through an arterial line,
which is a small line that is often inserted into an artery
during some time at the start of the ICU admission.
This provides a constant reading of the blood pressure,
and it also gives access
to draw blood for testing at any time.
Finally, we have the intracranial pressure.
This is to measure the pressure in the brain,
which is also important to monitor blood flow to the brain,
specifically with patients who
experienced an injury to the brain or skull.
Ultimately, the monitor helps
the healthcare team be aware
of your loved one's vital signs at all times.
The alarms detect and alert
the primary nurse of any sudden changes.
However, it is also important to note that the alarms
are used as a precautionary measure
in which every time the alarm goes off,
it does not always mean that the patient is at risk
or there is a complication.
When we hear the word ICU, we often visualize
a patient being attached to a breathing machine,
and the thought of seeing someone who you love
in such a situation is unimaginable.
But it's important to not lose sight or hope in the process.
When a patient is very ill,
their organs suffer a lot of pain,
and it requires time to heal.
So, a breathing machine supports their breathing
while their lungs are trying to heal.
There are two types of bedside breathing interventions,
and it's called intubation, which helps support the lungs.
The first intervention is through the mechanical ventilator,
often known as the breathing machine.
This is when a tube connects to the lungs,
either through the patient's nose
or mouth to push air from the ventilator
through the tube to reach the lungs.
The ventilator is able to support the individuals
to the level in which they require.
The second intervention is called a tracheostomy.
If your loved one requires support breathing
for a longer period of time, or to further assist
in their breathing without complications of swelling,
fluid buildup, or discomfort,
a tracheostomy procedure is performed.
This is a surgical procedure in which a tube
is inserted in the neck to reach the trachea.
This is a windpipe-like structure that helps
to ensure that the airway is not blocked and
allows ventilation through the tracheostomy tube.
This is often temporary but it could be used
permanently depending on the patient's condition.
We all know it's important that every human
has access to their basic needs
which includes nutrition and medicine.
It is critical that these needs are still met
even if an individual is unable
to perform such processes on their own.
As a result, there are medical interventions
to help support the ICU patients.
For example, due to the constant injection of medication and drugs,
a central line is used to administer medications to
a large vein often found in the neck or shoulder.
We understand that the medical interventions
could be overwhelming to see during your visit.
As family members, we often worry if
our loved ones are experiencing pain.
Although it is unfortunate that some of the interventions
may be painful and add to their discomfort,
they are given medications to reduce the pain.
It is also found that patients do not recall many of the
interventions during their experience in the ICU.
In addition, the multidisciplinary team
of healthcare professionals are always collaborating to help
heal your loved ones and work towards their recovery.
Although it's difficult to communicate with your loved ones
at this time, it's important that you share your love
and support as they require it the most right now.
The voice of a family member could be reassuring
and have a positive influence on them.
In addition, always remember that the healthcare professionals
that are taking care of your loved ones
are also here to answer your questions
and provide you with support.
They can connect you with the social worker
or spiritual care worker to help you cope
during this difficult time.
You are not alone.
For more information,
please visit the ICU website of your loved ones hospital.
This video was only made for educational purposes.
Please connect with the healthcare team to learn about your loved ones condition.