Critical Care Concepts

Question 1

List 7 unique issues with critically ill patients

Answer 1

1) Sensory overload & deprivation
2) Meds (opioids, sedatives, benzos)
3) Sleep deprivation can lead to delirium & ICU psychosis
4) Must consider the cultural needs of the person
5) Unique needs of family
6) Pain (acute & chronic)
7) End of life decisions

Question 2

How should we as nurses assess patients?

Answer 2

Assess → reassess → over & over
Must do frequently & completely

Question 3

Approx how long before the event or cardiac arrest does deterioration occur?

Answer 3

~ 6.5 hrs

Question 4

What % of patient cases that deteriorate are preventable?

Answer 4

70%

Question 5

What is the primary contributing factor in over 50% of failure to rescue cases?

Answer 5

Lack of knowledge & inability to appreciate the clinical urgency of the situation

Question 6

What is the most important vital sign?

Answer 6

Respiration rate

Question 7

List 12 reasons why the rapid response team is called

Answer 7

1) Resp distress, use of accessory muscles, RR > 30/min
2) RR < 10/min
3) Acute ↓ in O2 sat (< 85% for > 5 min)
4) Tachycardia/ Bradycardia
5) Chest pain not relieved w NTG
6) Hypotension not resolved w fluid
7) HTN
8) Stroke Sx
9) Neuro changes
10) Seizures
11) Bleeding
12) Any concern about someone