Physical Therapy in The ICU: Basic Skills

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive overview of essential ICU skills for patient care, focusing on maintaining patient modesty, gowning techniques, and safety during transfers. The demonstration involves practical steps like adjusting the hospital bed, using gait belts, and ensuring proper oxygen delivery. It also covers the importance of patient monitoring and equipment management, including telemetry devices and mobility aids. Emphasizing patient safety, the video highlights the need for non-skid socks, the use of sequential compression devices, and proper placement of call lights. Overall, it serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals entering the ICU setting.

Takeaways

• 😀 Properly securing a patient's modesty is crucial in an ICU setting, which involves using gowns and ensuring coverage, especially in the back.
• 😀 Familiarity with hospital bed controls (raising/lowering the bed, adjusting the head and knees) is essential for safe patient transfers.
• 😀 Use a gait belt when assisting patients to stand or walk to ensure safety and support, taking care not to interfere with any medical lines.
• 😀 Oxygen is a controlled medication; always check the patient's oxygen flow and ensure it's appropriate for their activity level.
• 😀 When switching oxygen from wall to portable tanks, confirm the tank has sufficient oxygen and adjust the flow rate accordingly.
• 😀 Various oxygen delivery methods exist, including nasal cannulas, simple masks, and non-rebreather masks, each suited for different flow rates.
• 😀 Telemetry monitors are crucial for monitoring patients' vital signs during movement; ensure they are portable and visible at all times.
• 😀 After patient activities, it's important to restore the patient’s setup: plug in oxygen, IV poles, and ensure all devices are in working order.
• 😀 Patient call lights should always be within reach to prevent falls; educate patients on how to use them effectively.
• 😀 Familiarize yourself with emergency equipment in the ICU room, including oxygen tanks, ambu bags, and basic patient supplies for quick response.

Q & A

What are some basic ICU skills discussed in the script?

The script covers patient modesty, proper gown placement, bed adjustments, using gait belts, managing oxygen delivery, and ensuring patient safety.

Why is patient modesty important in an ICU setting?

Maintaining patient modesty is crucial for the dignity and comfort of patients, especially in a setting where they may feel vulnerable.

What is the purpose of using a second gown on a patient?

A second gown helps keep the patient's back covered, ensuring they remain modest since hospital gowns typically open at the back.

How should hospital beds be adjusted for patient transfers?

Beds should be lowered to the ground and adjusted so that the knees are down to avoid creating a slope, which facilitates safe transfers.

What is the significance of the neckline and ties on patient gowns?

The neckline is a key landmark for properly positioning the gown, while the ties help secure it to maintain coverage.

What is a gait belt and when is it used?

A gait belt is a safety device used to assist in the transfer of patients, ensuring their stability and support during movement.

What considerations should be made regarding a patient’s oxygen delivery in the ICU?

Oxygen should be prescribed by a doctor and can be titrated based on the patient's needs, especially when they are up and moving.

What is the importance of the telemetry monitor in the ICU?

Telemetry monitors track vital signs such as EKG, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, providing crucial information about the patient's condition.

How should patients be prepared for mobility after being in bed?

Patients should be fitted with non-skid hospital socks, secured with a gait belt, and have their oxygen switched to a portable tank if necessary.

What steps should be taken to ensure patient safety after transferring them back to bed?

After returning the patient to bed, make sure they are settled, their oxygen is returned to the wall, and their call light is within reach.