Download ICU Critical Thinking Questions Handout File

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING EDUCATION & HEALTH STUDIES
NURSING 3910
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
WELCOME TO THE
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
This handout is meant to help prepare you for your Observational Day in the ICU.
There are many dimensions to the role of the nurse in the ICU environment and this handout will outline some
of the major nursing responsibilities that are included in the ICU nursing scope. Please use this handout to
become familiar with some of the essential concepts of Critical Care Nursing in Intensive Care and as a
learning tool while you are enjoying your time in the ICU.
DEVELOPED: 2012-02-23
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DEPARTMENT OF NURSING EDUCATION & HEALTH STUDIES
NURSING 3910
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES & CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS
1. What are some physical, psychological, social and environmental issues that contribute to critical illness?
How can multisystem disorders impact the physiological condition of the critically ill patient?
2. What are some of the common complications and needs of critically ill clients? What are some priority
nursing interventions required to manage care for critically ill clients?
3. Discuss the principles of hemodynamic monitoring. What is involved in the nursing management of a client
receiving hemodynamic monitoring? What are some diagnostic and circulatory monitoring devices used to
maintain homeostasis in the critically ill client?
4. Describe the different types of artificial airways that are used in the ICU? What nursing interventions are
necessary to manage care of an intubated client? What are some complications associated with artificial
airway management?
5. Describe the principles of mechanical ventilation. What are the indications for and the modes of
mechanical ventilation? What nursing interventions are necessary to manage a client receiving mechanical
ventilation? What are some complications associated with mechanical ventilation?
6. What is the process of “weaning” a patient from mechanical ventilation? How does a nurse assess the
readiness of a critical ill patient to resume spontaneous ventilation? What nursing assessments and
management is involved in reducing ventilator support?
7. What are some strategies to manage issues related to the families of critically ill clients? What are some
therapeutic communication techniques a nurse could use with an individual and family in crisis? How can a
nurse apply the concept of holism to the critical care client?
8. Why is multidisciplinary and collaborative care integral to the ICU environment? What disciplines make up
the multidisciplinary team and what are their primary roles in the ICU?
9. The role of a Critical Care Nurse can be very stressful and requires the ability to continually recognize signs
of stress in self and others. What are some signs of burnout in the critical care area related to physical,
cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual wellbeing?
10. In Canada, there are several colleges and universities that offer Critical Care Certification Programs, as well
as a CNA Critical Care Nursing Certification. What is the process for completing these certifications? What
are some of the benefits of this certification? Do you think all nurses working in a Critical Care Area should
be certified? Why or why not?
DEVELOPED: 2012-02-23
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DEPARTMENT OF NURSING EDUCATION & HEALTH STUDIES
NURSING 3910
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
11.
Complete the following chart:
TYPE OF
PROCEDURE/TREATMENTS
DESCRIPTION
INDICATION(S)
COMMON MEDICATIONS
COMMON COMPLICATIONS
INTUBATION /
EXTUBATION
CARDIOVERSION
TRANSESOPHAGEAL
ECHOCARDIOGRAM
(TEE)
ARTERIAL LINES
DEVELOPED: 2012-02-23
[3]
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING EDUCATION & HEALTH STUDIES
NURSING 3910
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
ICU OBSERVATIONAL EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW
Often times, a day in the ICU can be overwhelming, fast-paced, and can take you through a number of learning
experiences; many of which you may not have the time to reflect upon or even be able to remember. 
Use this section of the handout to document some of the specifics of your day in the ICU.
ICU TEAM
BUDDY NURSE
UNIT MANAGER
CLINICAL COORDINATOR
UNIT CLERK
PHYSICIAN
INTERNAL MED. RESIDENT
FAMILY MED. RESIDENT
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
PHARMACIST
DIETICIAN
PT/OT
SPEECH THERAPIST
OTHER
PATIENT INFORMATION
PATIENT # 1
PATIENT # 2
DEVELOPED: 2012-02-23
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DEPARTMENT OF NURSING EDUCATION & HEALTH STUDIES
NURSING 3910
RECOVERY ROOM – CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS
PERSONAL LEARNING
PROCEDURES
OBSERVED
WHAT I LIKED MOST
ABOUT THE ICU
OVERALL THOUGHTS
FOR THE DAY
References:
Lewis, S. M., Heitkemper, M., Dirksen, S. R., Barry, M., Goldworthy, S., & Goodridge, D. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing in
Canada: Assessment and management of clinical problems (2nd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.
DEVELOPED: 2012-02-23
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