NCM 118 - Critical Care Nursing

Critical Care

A specialized field of nursing focused on the care of patients with life-threatening conditions that require comprehensive monitoring and advanced medical interventions. Patients here often suffer from severe illnesses or injuries, such as respiratory failure, sepsis, multi-organ dysfunction, or major trauma.

Critical Care Units

Meaning of CCUs

Acuity

The level of severity of a patient's condition, often used to assess the need for critical care.

Multi-organ Dysfunction

A condition where two or more organ systems fail, often seen in critically ill patients.

Emergency Response

The actions taken to address a critical situation that poses a threat to life, requiring immediate medical attention.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

The goal of critical care is to stabilize the patient’s physiological status, prevent further deterioration, and promote recovery. This care typically occurs in a Critical Care Unit (CCU) or _______, where healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists, work collaboratively to deliver high quality care.

Advanced Monitoring Systems

Technologies used to continuously track vital signs and detect early signs of patient deterioration.

Life-Support Equipment

Devices such as ventilators, dialysis machines, and infusion pumps used to support failing organs and manage patient care.

Sterile Environment

Maintaining a _______ is essential to prevent infections in immunocompromised or vulnerable patients.

Accessibility

The unit is designed for easy access to patients by healthcare staff, with space for quick intervention and emergency procedures.

Patient Anxiety, Family Support, and Staff Well-being

Psychological Environment in CCUs that is just important as the physical ones.

Hemodynamics

The study of blood flow and the forces involved in circulating blood throughout the body.

Blood Pressure

The force of blood against the walls of arteries, which is a critical indicator of circulatory health.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood the heart pumps per minute, essential for adequate tissue perfusion.

Central Venous Pressure (CVP)

The pressure in the thoracic vena cava near the right atrium, indicating venous return and right heart function.

Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP)

The pressure in the pulmonary artery used to assess left heart function and pulmonary circulation.

pulmonary artery catheters

In critical care, hemodynamic monitoring may involve non-invasive methods like blood pressure cuffs or more invasive techniques such as arterial lines and _______. The data collected from these methods help guide interventions such as fluid administration, vasopressor support, and mechanical ventilation adjustments.

Patient assessment and monitoring, administering medications, communication, and emergency response, documentation and reporting, and education and support

Role of Critical Care Nurse in a Critical Care Unit Setting

Patient Assessment and Monitoring

The continuous observation of a patient’s vital signs, neurological status, and overall condition in critical care.

Administering Medications and Treatments

The process of delivering complex medication regimens and managing life-support equipment in critical care.

Family Support

Providing emotional support and updates to the families of critically ill patients to help them cope.

Patient Anxiety

The feelings of fear and confusion that patients may experience due to their critical condition.

Documentation and Reporting

The accurate recording of patient status and interventions essential for continuity of care.

Critical Care Unit (CCU)

A specialized area in a hospital where critically ill patients receive intensive monitoring and care.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

An area of a hospital specifically equipped for the treatment of critically ill patients.