Calling ICU/CCU nurses!

[Jenni811]

I don't know where to put this- but it can be moved if needed.

Im in my senior synthesis in an ICU/CCU combined. I have to do a research based project on something in the ICU/CCU. SO i have to come up with a PICO question, and i really want to do something good. I asked my preceptor and he said that he would think about it, he has given me some good ideas to go off of, but im having trouble finding something to write a PICO question on.

He said something with ventilators (I was told not to do Ventilator acquired pneumonia, too many people do that), or something with Dialysis patients (hemo/peritoneal), different treatments, etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions of things they see in their ICU or CCU that could be "researched".

i hate saying this is homework help, but it's not technically giving me answers...just suggestions of things they see that could be interesting!

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Right...and don't even think that Precedex is an acceptable option.

The only one I can think of that we've ambulated was nasally intubated; she'd had tracheal surgery and was planned in advance that she'd stay intubated for...5 days I think?

Last year I did read a study about the risks of prolonged sedation, and the authors recommended prn's. ICU stays were shorter, pts were better able to communicate their needs (e.g. position changes, uncontrolled pain), risks of deconditioning, delirium, and PTSD we're reduced. (Of course, that applies to your typical ICU pt--if they need deep sedation for medical paralysis, ARDS settings, uncontrolled ICPs etc, so be it)

And yet, I kept thinking...But I'd want lots and lots of propofol!!!

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Hopefully people being lightly sedated are getting extubated quickly.

[dah doh, BSN, RN]

Some patients do well without sedatives while intubated. My favorite one did her hair & makeup while up in the chair while intubated. She had me dragging in some of my co-workers to meet her as she had applied bright red lipstick on her lips around the ETT tape! She wanted to look good! The younger crowd will text on their phones to communicate rather than try to mouth words or write notes in bad handwriting.

We do get our intubated patients into chairs & less frequently ambulating the hallways.

But yes, if it was me, sedate me to comatose status if I'm intubated!