List of ICU Nursing Procedures 2024 (Intensive care unit) critical care nursing

Intensive Care Unit Nursing Procedures List 2024

Updated 2024

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nursing involves caring for critically ill patients who require constant monitoring and specialized medical interventions. ICU nurses play a crucial role in providing comprehensive care to patients with life-threatening conditions.

Here is an overview of some common ICU nursing procedures:

Patient Assessment:
- Conducting thorough assessments of patients upon admission to the ICU and continuously monitoring their vital signs, neurological status, and other critical parameters.
- Assessing the patient’s response to treatments and interventions.
Ventilator Management:
- Assisting with the placement and management of mechanical ventilation for patients who require respiratory support.
- Monitoring and adjusting ventilator settings based on patient needs and physician orders.
Hemodynamic Monitoring:
- Monitoring and interpreting hemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output.
- Administering medications to support or regulate blood pressure and cardiac function.
Medication Administration:
- Administering a wide range of medications, including intravenous medications, vasopressors, sedatives, and analgesics.
- Monitoring for medication effectiveness and potential side effects.
Central Line Care:
- Managing central venous catheters, including insertion, maintenance, and monitoring for complications.
- Administering medications and fluids through central lines.
Invasive Procedures Assistance:
- Assisting with or performing invasive procedures, such as inserting arterial lines, chest tubes, and urinary catheters.
- Providing care for patients undergoing surgical interventions.
Wound Care:
- Monitoring and caring for wounds, incisions, and surgical sites.
- Collaborating with the healthcare team to prevent and manage infections.
Nutritional Support:
- Collaborating with dietitians to assess and provide nutritional support for critically ill patients.
- Administering enteral or parenteral nutrition as prescribed.
Neurological Assessment:
- Conducting frequent neurological assessments, including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) monitoring.
- Monitoring for signs of neurological deterioration or improvement.
Patient and Family Education:
- Providing ongoing education to patients and their families regarding the patient’s condition, treatment plan, and potential outcomes.
- Supporting families emotionally and helping them understand the critical care environment.
Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team:
- Collaborating with physicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate and deliver comprehensive care.
Pain Management:
- Assessing and managing pain through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure adequate pain control.

List of ICU Nursing Procedures are given below. Click the respective Topic to Read the respective Nursing Procedures in detail

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ICU nursing requires a high level of skill, critical thinking, and the ability to work under pressure. The goal is to stabilize and support critically ill patients while addressing the underlying causes of their conditions. Communication and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team are key components of providing effective and holistic care in the ICU.

ICU nursing involves a variety of procedures to care for critically ill patients.

Here is a list of common ICU nursing procedures:

Patient Assessment:
- Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation).
- Neurological assessments, including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
- Skin assessments for signs of breakdown or infection.
Ventilator Management:
- Endotracheal intubation and maintenance of mechanical ventilation.
- Monitoring and adjusting ventilator settings.
- Suctioning the airways to maintain patency.
Hemodynamic Monitoring:
- Insertion and management of arterial lines for continuous blood pressure monitoring.
- Monitoring central venous pressure (CVP) and pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) as needed.
- Administration of vasoactive medications.
Medication Administration:
- Administration of intravenous medications, including antibiotics, sedatives, analgesics, and vasopressors.
- Management of titratable medications to achieve therapeutic goals.
Central Line Care:
- Insertion, maintenance, and care of central venous catheters.
- Administration of medications and parenteral nutrition through central lines.
Invasive Procedures:
- Insertion and management of urinary catheters.
- Chest tube insertion and care for patients with respiratory or cardiac issues.
- Assistance with percutaneous tracheostomy procedures.
Wound Care:
- Monitoring and dressing changes for surgical wounds.
- Prevention and management of infections in wounds and incisions.
Nutritional Support:
- Coordination with dietitians to assess and provide enteral or parenteral nutrition.
- Monitoring nutritional status and making adjustments as needed.
Neurological Monitoring:
- Continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) when indicated.
- Frequent neurological assessments to detect changes in status.
Pain Management:
- Assessment and management of pain through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Collaboration with the healthcare team to optimize pain control.
Diagnostics:
- Coordination of diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and laboratory tests.
- Interpretation of diagnostic results to guide patient care.
Family Support and Education:
- Providing emotional support to families and keeping them informed about the patient’s condition and care plan.
- Facilitating family involvement in care decisions when appropriate.
Crisis Intervention:
- Response to and management of critical situations, including rapid response and code blue situations.
- Coordination with the healthcare team during emergencies.
Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team:
- Communication and collaboration with physicians, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
Discharge Planning:
- Planning for the transition of care, including the potential transfer to a lower level of care or rehabilitation facility.
- Coordination of services for post-ICU care.