FAQ's
The conditions of patients in ICU's are often unpredictable and physicians may be able
to only give you their best predictions. This can make dealing with the illness or
injury of the one you hold dearly very difficult. Try to keep this in mind as you speak
with your doctors and nurses. Each individual patient progresses in a different pattern
and at a different speed. Often we rely on day to day changes. Although we can describe
the probable course of recuperation, it is difficult to be specific in terms of the
amount of time your family member will remain in the ICU. Each patient's needs are
reassessed on a daily basis.
We know that having information is important, so staff will provide updates about the
status of your loved one. We also encourage you to ask questions about your family
member's condition. However, in some situations, the nurses and doctors may be unable
to answer your questions.
When you walk into the ICU, you may feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed by equipment
and the noises that you may hear. The machines in the ICU have certain signals that
beep and buzz and although startling to families and friends, they help us to provide
optimal care for patients. If you wish, ask your nurse to explain the type of equipment
you may see.
A very basic piece of equipment at each bedside is the
heart monitor (EKG). This
monitor shows the electrical activity of the heart. The television-like screen you will
see at the bedside is also visible at the nurse's station, allowing the nurses to
monitor each patient even when they are not directly present at each bedside. The
nurses set alarms to ensure optimal safety, but they do not always mean that something
is wrong. These alarms contribute to some of the noises you may hear.
Patients in the ICU often require oxygen. This can take the form of a small tube
beneath their nostrils or a mask. These can make a hissing or gurgling noise, especially
if there is water in the tubing. Some patients may be connected to a
ventilator which
assists the lungs to breathe, which prevents them from talking, but you can still speak
to him/her and communicate through touch. The staff will use a variety of different tools
to assist your loved one to communicate their needs. Please speak with your nurse to
demonstrate them to you.
You will also notice a device with a red light attached to their finger. This apparatus
gives us a measurement of oxygenation and often sounds an alarm when a blood pressure
is being taken or when it is accidentally removed.
Tubes may be present to deliver fluids, medication and nutrients or to drain fluid.
THE NURSES in this unit have had special training and possess the necessary
skills and knowledge to assure quality care. Their expertise in neurology and
neurosurgery enables them to explain the cause of the disorder and the treatments
proposed. The philosophy of the nursing department at the UUH is a primary nursing
approach to care. In terms of caring for you and your loved one, this means that one
nurse will be assigned to plan and coordinate care. This ensures individualized and
continuous care thus enabling the nurse to develop a relationship with their patients
and families. They also act as co-ordinator for the team, and may refer you to other
members of the health care system. The nursing staff are committed to assisting you
and your family. We are available to listen to your concerns and to help answer
questions.
THE PHYSICIANS: Each patient is cared for by a group of physicians that
includes the ICU intensivist, neurologists or neurosurgeon, and a group of residents
(licensed doctors being trained in ICU, neurosurgery, or neurology). The residents
(under the supervision of the chief physician) are actively involved with the patients
evaluating their needs, planning, and ordering treatments, diagnosis, expected results,
and length of stay. At times, specialists may be consulted for advise about a patient's
condition. If you would like to speak with one of the physicians, speak with your
nurse and ask how you can arrange a meeting.
THE PATIENT ATTENDANTS are also an essential part of the ICU team. They are
directly involved in all aspects of care, especially hygiene, comfort and support.
THE RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS are active members of the health care team. Their
role and their skills are directed towards the maintenance and recovery of the
respiratory system. They use equipment such as ventilators and oxygen administration
systems to allow the patient to stabilize and breath adequately.
During your time in the ICU, you may need other team members: social workers,
physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, unit secretaries, and
pharmacists. We also have resources persons who help us support family members such
as pastoral services. If you would like help in contacting these individuals, ask us
to introduce you to them.
Music is always helpful in relaxing your loved one. The unit is equipped with Tape
and CD players to play their favorite music. These are meant for patient use and can
be acquired by asking a nurse. Also pictures of the family, friends, and favorite pets
can be displayed within their viewing range to comfort them.
If you are a friend and feel you must give the loved one something we only allow
Mylar balloons, artificial flowers, and Get Well cards. Due to the limited space
in our rooms we ask that you not send stuffed animals, toys, or big bouquet's of
flowers or balloons.
For families visiting we ask that you take home your loved one's belongings, and to
not bring more than needed for that stay. This will keep down the clutter in the rooms
and help make the work environment more efficient.
Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your visits:
- Don't be afraid to ask for more help if you need it.
- To protect you and your loved one, please use the sink at the entrance of the ICU to wash your hands before entering and leaving the unit.
- Please inform the nurse at the front desk of your arrival. This will enable the nurse to prepare you on what to expect or to update you on possible changes since your last visit.
- Limit visitors to two at a time. The rooms are very small.
- Try to schedule your visits at times when there will be staff available to talk to you and to help you. For example, avoid arriving or calling at change of shift (7:00-8:30 am and PM). At these times, the nurses are receiving report and performing their initial assessment so they may not be readily available to answer your questions.
- Let your loved one know that you are there. Even if they are not as alert as normal, a familiar voice can be comforting. If you are unsure of what to say, ask your nurse to help you.
- Touch your loved one. If you are afraid of the equipment, ask your nurse for guidance. A reassuring touch may be the best thing you can do for your loved one.
- Share the good wishes and support of friends and family with the patient. This can provide encouragement.
- Bring pictures of family, friends, pets, etc. that we can put on the walls to personalize the patient's room.
- Please do not touch the equipment. If you think that there is a problem with one of the machines, ask your nurse but please do not try to fix it yourself.
- We know that your primary concern right now is the welfare of your family member or friend. However, it is also important to take care of yourself and there may be times when you have to leave the hospital to take care of personal business. If you are unsure whether you should stay or leave, please speak with the nurse.
- Many questions may come up during discussions or after, therefore it is a good idea to write down any questions or ideas you may have. Remember no question is a silly question.
- Communication is often easier if you select a family spokesperson who speaks for all of you. This person is also responsible for sharing new information with the rest of the family.
- Make sure that we know how to contact you when you leave the hospital. Write your phone number on the board in the room where you can be reached. Also put on your home answering machine an update message of the patients condition each day and give that number to family and friends.
