Care Routines
Here’s a concise overview of a typical daily ICU routine:
- Shift handover
- Patient assessment and rounds
- Medication administration
- Monitoring vital signs
- Diagnostic tests and procedures
- Nutrition and hydration management
- Hygiene and wound care
- Physical therapy and mobility exercises
- Ventilator management (if applicable)
- Documentation and charting
- Family updates and communication
- Continuous reassessment and care plan adjustments
Key Activities
Turning and Repositioning
We move patients who can’t move themselves at least every two hours. This prevents skin sores from lying in one position too long. We also adjust tubes to protect the skin.
Urine Monitoring
We keep a close eye on how much urine a patient produces every hour. This helps us understand how well their body is working.
Vital Signs
We check vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure every hour, sometimes more often if needed.
Regular Check-ins
Nurses visit the room at least once an hour. Even when we’re not in the room, we’re watching the monitors at our station and on our phones.
Blood Tests
We take blood samples at least once a day. These tests tell us how well the body is working. We might draw blood from a vein or use a special IV line called a central venous catheter.
Infection Prevention
Everyone washes their hands when entering and leaving rooms. We change IV equipment regularly and use special caps on IV lines. A cleaning team takes care of the rooms daily. For patients with contagious infections, we use protective gear like gowns, masks, and gloves.
Daily Cleaning
Every patient gets a bed bath once a day. We use special anti-germ soap to help prevent infections.
Fall Prevention
We use bed alarms, yellow socks, bracelets, and belts to remind staff that a patient might fall. We limit visitors to two at a time and keep rooms clutter-free for quick emergency access if needed.
Calling for Help
Each patient has a call button. If you or your loved one needs anything, just press the button and we’ll be there soon.