The ICU ( intensive care unit ) is a special room provided by a hospital to treat patients with conditions that require close supervision. This room is equipped with special medical equipment used to support the patient’s treatment and recovery process.
While in the ICU, patients will be monitored for 24 hours by specialist doctors, on duty doctors, and competent nurses. To monitor the patient’s condition in more detail, the patient’s body will be connected to various medical equipment through a hose or cable.
When should the patient enter the ICU?
Actually, no one can predict when a patient should be admitted to the ICU. However, in the majority of cases, the patient will be referred to the ICU when he is in a coma or respiratory failure.
In addition, there are several other conditions that require patients to enter the ICU, namely:
1. Serious accidents, such as burns or serious head injuries
2. After major surgery, such as a heart transplant
3. Severe infections, such as pneumonia or sepsis
4. Heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure
What are the Medical Equipments in the ICU Room?
For some people, the ICU room feels very scary because it contains a lot of medical equipment that is connected to the patient. Even so, the medical equipment is very helpful in the process of stabilizing the patient’s condition.
The following are some of the medical equipment commonly found in the ICU:
1. Monitor
Used to monitor the performance of body organs, such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, or blood pressure.
2. Ventilator
A ventilator can help the patient to breathe. This device is connected to a tube that can be inserted through the nose, mouth, or throat.
3. Defibrillator
A defibrillator or cardiac shock device is used to restore a normal heart rate if the heartbeat suddenly stops. This device works by sending an electric shock to the heart so that the heart can function again.
4. Feeding hose
The feeding tube is used to enter the nutrients the body needs while the patient is in critical condition and cannot feed himself. This device is usually inserted through the nose and directed toward the stomach.
5. Infusion
Infusion serves to enter fluids, nutrients, and drugs through the veins.
6. Catheter
Most patients in the ICU cannot urinate on their own. In some patients, the amount of fluid lost from the body, including the amount of urine, should also be counted as part of monitoring the patient’s condition.
In this case, a device called a catheter is needed, which is an elastic tube that is inserted through the urinary opening to remove urine from the patient’s body.
A number of medical equipment in the ICU room above is needed to support patients to survive and recover quickly. Although it looks terrible and risky, the installation of these tools is done based on considerations that can provide benefits to the patient.
In addition, patients will always be under surveillance for 24 hours while in the ICU. Patients will also be given painkillers and sedatives to sleep. This is done so that patients are not disturbed by sounds and the presence of medical equipment in the ICU.
Special Rules for Visits to the ICU Ruang
The care in the ICU is very strict so that the patient’s condition can be monitored properly and can rest in peace. The ICU room is also kept sterile to reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, certain rules are set when visiting the ICU, namely:
1. Visiting hours to the ICU are generally very limited, as are the number of visitors allowed to visit patients.
2. Visitors who want to enter the ICU must wash their hands first to prevent transmission of infection. Visitors are also not allowed to bring objects from outside, such as flowers.
In certain conditions, visitors may be allowed to interact directly with patients, even bring certain items that the patient wants in the ICU room. It aims to accompany, comfort, and help the patient’s psychological healing process.
If the patient’s condition in the ICU has stabilized, the patient can be transferred to the treatment room for recovery. However, if the patient’s condition worsens after discharge, the patient will return to the ICU for treatment.
Patients who are discharged from the ICU generally recover well. However, during recovery, there may be complaints such as body stiffness and weakness, insomnia, decreased appetite, and weight loss. If this happens, tell the doctor while he is under control.
If your family or close relatives enter the ICU, it is important to understand that you cannot be by the patient’s side all the time. However, it is recommended that you remain on standby for 24 hours outdoors.
In addition, everything that happens in the ICU usually requires a quick decision. These decisions often require family approval before they are made. Later, the doctor or nurse will contact the family to determine the best decision for the patient.