Principles of critical care
1.Anticipation
One has to recognize the high risk patients and anticipates the requirement, complications and be prepared to meet any emergency.
Unit properly organized which all necessary equipments and supplies are mandatory for smooth running of the unit.
2.Early detection and prompt action
The prognosis of the patient depends on the early detection of variation, prompt and appropriate action to prevent or combat complications
Monitoring of cardiopulmonary function is prime importance in assessment
3. Collaborative practice
Critical care which has organized as technical sub specialized body of knowledge, has evolved into a comprehensive discipline requiring a very disciplined body of knowledge for physician and nurses working in the unit
Collaborative practice between physicians and nurses to provide quality and compassionate patient care.
4.Communication
Intra professional, interdepartmental and interpersonal communication has a significant importance in smooth running of the unit
5.Prevention of infection
Specially nosocomial infection
Invasive lines
Mechanical ventilators
Prolonged stay and severity of illness
Environment of critical care unit itself
Minimizing through: vigilant surveillance, effective hand washing, routine cleaning of the unit, concurrent and terminal disinfections of the unit, following isolation procedures etc.
6. Crisis intervention and stress reduction
Bonds between nurses, patients and families are stronger during hospitalization
As patient advocates, nurses assist the patient to express fear and identify their grieving pattern and provides avenues for positive coping
Listening skill should be developed by the critical care nurse to handle the extreme complex feelings of patient.
Empathy to be developed to make herself a good counselor.
CCN themselves undergo job stress due to many factors. They need to be supported personally, professionally
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