icu 5 b Flashcards
Many ICU’s have a physical structure of
being open units
without privacy, with only a flimsy curtain, in which the beds
are extremely close together
◦ Often units have eight or more beds in the same open space.
Sometimes we even forget that the patient at our side is
awake.
The patients’ clinical situation includes
undergoing sedative
and analgesic therapies which means limitations regarding
communication and consent.
The existence of mixed wards; the patient is almost
aked, only
covered with a sheet…..which contributes to nurses feeling that
they do not always respect patients’ privacy and that they
invade their intimacy
Critically ill patients fall into three broad categories
- those who are in a position to recover
well and so would survive anyway - those who are seriously ill and would
have died but for ICU, - those who are so ill that they would die
whatever is done.
Some barriers to communication
◦ Number of professionals families have to interact with may cause confusion.
◦ Different medical consultants commonly offer opposing opinions. Additionally, each specialist may
provide information that focuses on their area of expertise such that the “big picture” is not relayed
to the patient and family
Lack of knowledge about cultural and religious norms
Emotional discomfort on the part of the health professional around discussions
of poor prognosis,
goals of care, and DNR status may prompt limiting discussion time with patients and families and
even the avoidance of interpersonal exchanges.
◦ Health professionals have also reported concern that end-of-life discussions will increase patient
distress.
◦ Among health care professionals, the subject of mortality may prompt personal anxiety, trigger
unresolved grief, or fear that they will “become emotional” in front of the patient/family.
Non verbal communication (body language)
Body language plays an equally important role in making a connection with
patients and staff/colleagues.
urses must consider non-verbal cues, taking the time to make eye contact,
engage and stop what they’re doing to focus their attention on the other person.
o Ask questions to see if the person you are communicating with understands what
you are conveying and speak in terms they can grasp
Non verbal communication (body language)
Body language plays an equally important role in making a connection with
patients and staff/colleagues.
urses must consider non-verbal cues, taking the time to make eye contact,
engage and stop what they’re doing to focus their attention on the other person.
o Ask questions to see if the person you are communicating with understands what
you are conveying and speak in terms they can grasp
COVID-19 – which to do?
prioritise the ones who are most likely to survive
priotise who is likely to live longest after recovery
first come first serve
priotise who have lived fewer life stages
prioritise the worst off
prioritise those who have lower social utility to others ( taking precautions to spread disease)
