Ever wonder why an ICU is so different from that of a normal ward? Read on to know more…

What is ICU?

There are different levels of care given at a hospital. The ICU otherwise known as the Intensive Care Unit is the highest level given to patients that are critically ill or in some cases unstable. They are dedicated wards that look after patients that are in need of constant care. The ICU is a place where treatments are given to patients individually. Specialized staff attendants to each patient giving them more care. An even better relationship develops between patients while occupying this ward as there is one nurse to one patient scenario throughout their treatment in the ICU. Keeping the place clean and tidy is very important as a small change in cleanliness and its hygiene can go to a different level. A dirty and not kept clean ICU can increase the possibility of diseases or in other words make existing diseases even worse.

The ICU helps in giving support to serious or life-threatening illnesses; support to failing organ systems and even preventing organ dysfunction. The invasive monitoring, increase in the cost all show different aspects as that of an ICU resident. A doctor refers patients to an ICU only when they have similar and life-threatening symptoms related to

• Respiratory system problems
• Cardiovascular system
• Renal
• Nervous system
• Metabolic related
• General

The ICU is expensive; that is only because of the various equipment used in the room. A hospital gives its patient state of the ark treatments in an ICU. This type of treatment calls for expensive and carefully thought of equipment that would help them help their own patients. There is a handful of equipment that is a must in an intensive care unit to function. Let's have a look at them individually…

Equipment's in an ICU

1. 1. Monitor - The monitor is one of the frequently used equipments seen in an ICU. it helps record the patients and alerts the doctor if there is any malfunction or change in the stability of the patient.

2. 2. Ventilator - The ventilator comes into play when a patient is seen to be serious and gasping for breath. It helps the doctors and staff blow oxygen into the patient's body enabling him to breathe in a much better place.

3. 3. IV catheter - IV or the central line catheter is used to measure the CVP ( central venous pressure) of the patient occupying the ICU. It gives the necessary drugs, treatments, nutrition and care to the patient whenever it is needed.

4. 4. Urine catheter - This particular equipment is used to collect the output of urine. Using this the staff measures and examines the patient stability as well as the patient's health for further medical reasons.

5. 5. Pleur-evac -Also known as the chest drainage system, drains extra fluid from the chest making it easier for the patient. It is mostly used for thoracic, cardiovascular, traumatic and critical care of a patient. It uses a top-notch fluid management system to help them with the same.

6. 6. Nasogastric suction - This is used to remove secretion through the airway of a patient. The tube is inserted through the nostril of a person to suction out gastrointestinal materials.

7. 7. Nasogastric tube (NG tube) - This special tube carries food through the nostril opening to the stomach in case of full paralysis or a coma. It helps in feeding the patient when they are in a complete vegetable state. Also known as the feeding tube, it is one of those equipment that are a must in an ICU.

8. 8. ECG electrodes - Here is another must-have equipment in an ICU. The electrocardiogram (ECG)is a graph depicting the time to the electrical activity of the person's heart. They detect the electrical activity of a cardio cycle. there are two types of electrodes used commonly: the thin paper sticker and the self-adhesive circular pads.

9. 9. Pulse oximeter - It is a painless test used to detect even small changes in oxygen levels or oxygen saturation levels in a person's blood. This is learned through a device clipped on the patient's finger or toe. It detects any kind of disease related to when there is a decrease in oxygen levels such as asthma, pneumonia, heart attack, heart failure etc.

10. 10. Crash cart - An environment of sudden deterioration of a patient calls for the use of a crash cart in an ICU. Crash carts are available in many facilities including hospitals outpatient surgery centres, urgent care centres etc. a crash cart contains both equipment and drugs. It is an important equipment, the cart includes a variety of equipments as well. Namely:

• Bag valve mask
• IV start packs
• IV tubing
• Angiocaths
• Gauze
• Alcohol preps
• Monitor with defibrillator
• Syringe nasal adaptor
• A checklist contains training of the cart.

While the above-mentioned equipment is only a handful, there are others too. An ICU is the most organized room in a hospital. To make things a bit easier the staff divides the various equipment into three:

1. Patient monitoring equipment
2. Life support equipment
3. Diagnostic equipment

Being the most frequently used room in a hospital the ICU needs to be kept clean and stocked up. Some common conditions taken into consideration while admitted in an ICU are when they need organ support or even when there are symptoms of ARDS ( acute respiratory distress syndrome).

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a demanding environment because of the critical conditions that patients go through while occupying the room. The equipment and treatments vary a lot compared to that of the regular wards. Having the right equipment is a must. Ever wonder of a place from which you could purchase this product? Have you run out of a particular product and need to stock up? Let us step in and make things easier for you. We at kogland have your backs! We offer our customers certified products with proper analysis of the necessary licenses. Register with us to avail our products at affordable rates at streamlined quality.