Monitoring And Equipment In ICU

Question 1

List the haemodynamic variables that may be monitored in ICU

Answer 1

ECG - HR, rhythm
BP
arterial line (ABG samples, BP)
Central venous catheter (in superior vena cava, for drug administration, normal 3-15mmHg)
Pulmonary artery catheter (in pulmonary artery, for titration vasoactive drugs and precise fluid Mx For severe respiratory failure, may be confined to bed)
PiCCO (pulse-induced continuous CO monitoring)

Question 2

List the neurological variables that can be monitored in ICU

Answer 2

GCS (Max 15 - eyes 4, motor 6, verbal 5 plus T)
ICP monitoring (normal 10-15mmHg, CPP=MAP-ICP)

Question 3

Discuss implications for physio Mx of monitoring Equipment in ICU

Answer 3

Keep leads visible in case they bleed
Don’t link anything
Monitor variables for change due to treatment
Must zero arterial line to get correct BP
No hip flexion with femoral artery insert

Question 4

List respiratory variables that can be monitored in ICU

Answer 4

PETCO2 (estimate PaCO2 from alveolar CO2)
ABG
Pulse oximetry
Peak and pause airway pressure