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Patients |
What does all the equipment do?Equipment surrounding patients is usually there for two reasons. Equipment that supports a patient's normal body functions:Breathing equipment A ventilator is a machine that assists a patient's breathing. A tube is inserted through either the patient's nose or mouth and into the windpipe. The tube, which is known as an endotracheal tube, is connected to a machine that blows air and extra oxygen in and out of the lungs. The machine can 'breathe' completely for a patient or it can be set to assist a patient's breathing. A patient can be weaned off a ventilator gradually when their condition improves. If a patient is likely to remain on a ventilator for more than a few days, the endotracheal tube in their mouth is sometimes replaced with a tracheostomy. In this case, an operation is carried out to insert a tube into a hole which is made in the throat. Although this can look rather strange, it is actually quite comfortable for the patient compared with having a tube in their mouth. A patient will not usually be able to use their voice while the tracheostomy is in place. Most patients in an ICU require extra oxygen. This may be given through the ventilator or a mask over the nose and mouth may alternatively be used. The mask can be removed for brief periods. Equipment for fluids Patients are attached to drips which allow liquids to be passed through tubes into veins, usually in the side of the neck, arm or hand. There are various substances commonly used in drips. Blood may be needed by a patient. The amount of blood a patient is given is carefully monitored. Blood is obtained from the blood bank of the hospital which constantly replaces its stocks. The blood will have been screened to ensure it is safe for your loved one. Blood is made up of several substances, for example plasma and platelets, which can be given to a patient separately if needed. Drugs are often given to patients through a drip. Details of some of the drugs used can be found later. A pump is attached to the drip to administer the drugs at the right rate. Fluids can be used in drips for various purposes including re-hydration and maintenance of blood pressure. Food in the form of a liquid containing essential nutrients can be given either through the nose via a tube which goes down into the stomach or through a drip. Tubes which drain waste fluid from different areas of the body can often be seen around a patient. Kidney equipment If a patient's kidneys are working normally the nurses may need to measure how much urine is being made every hour. To do this a urinary catheter will be passed into the patient's bladder. You will see the tube attached to a bag at the side of the bed. A haemofilter is used when a patient's kidneys are not functioning properly. It works in a similar way to a dialysis machine. The haemofilter removes blood from a vein through a tube then pumps it through a filter to remove excess fluid and waste products. Once it is cleaned, the blood is returned to the patient. haemofiltration may be done continuously or for several hours every day. Equipment that monitors a patient's condition:Equipment to monitor the heart Each patient is attached to a machine called a cardiac monitor which monitors their heart rate. Small sticky pads are placed on their chest and are connected to a machine. The machine picks up electrical impulses from a patient's heart and can detect any abnormalities. The monitor can also show a patient's breathing rate, blood pressure and temperature. It is normal for the numbers shown on the monitor to keep changing. Equipment to monitor head injuries If a patient has a serious head injury it is important that further damage to the brain is prevented. It is essential that any brain swelling and increases in pressure are detected and treated promptly. A small pressure gauge may be inserted through the skull into a patient's brain to measure the pressure inside the skull. Although this may look alarming it does not cause the patient any pain. Ask ICU staff for an overall assessment of your loved one's condition.
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contentEmergency admission |
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