The Ins And Outs Of The ICU

A diverse and specialized work force is needed for intensive care unit (ICU) patients to receive the support they need for a successful recovery. From bioelectronics technicians to chaplains, intensive care units can consist of many different kinds of physicians, nurses, social workers, technicians and therapists.

By Nancy Crotti, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: April 2, 2008 - 3:38 PM

What goes on in an intensive care unit (ICU) depends on the type of illness or injury the patients suffer from. What doesn't differ is that most patients in these units need some kind of cardiovascular or respiratory support, according to Mark Odland, M.D., interim chief of surgery at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Odland, who oversees the surgical ICU at Hennepin, says patients may have a variety of issues that require this support, such as heart attack, sepsis, respiratory failure resulting from lung disease, brain injury, stroke, trauma with severe injuries or newborn prematurity. ICU patients often require blood pressure support with medication, nutrition support with assisted feeding, and antibiotic therapy.

The length of time a patient spends in the ICU depends on the illness or injury. Respiratory failure tends to keep patients in the unit the longest, he adds.

Registered nurses or nurses with college degrees and specialized training are always available to patients in the ICU. A physician responsible for that patient is also available at all times, Odland says.

The rest of the ICU team includes resident physicians in training, nutritionists, pharmacologists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, chaplains, social workers, bioelectronics technicians and what Odland refers to as the "skin team" - nurses trained to make sure that patients who are sedated and in one position don't get bedsores.

Nutritionists assess patients' nutritional needs. Patients in the ICU may receive nutrition from an intravenous line or through a tube into the intestines, Odland explains. The pharmacologist is always available to monitor medications and dosages and to make sure there are no adverse interactions among medications. Occupational therapists are available to help patients get some exercise so their muscles don't become weakened. Social workers help the patient and family to decide what setting is best for the patient once he or she recovers or needs long-term care. Respiratory therapists evaluate patients' respiratory needs and are responsible for ventilators. And bioelectronics technicians run all the monitors and ensure their proper operation.

Nancy Crotti is a freelance writer from St. Paul.

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