Do you do daily lab work, chest x-rays, etc. on long term ICU patients?

[fedupnurse]

My hosiptal doesn't have a long term vent floor. Often we have people in our unit for weeks to months at a time. We are a teaching hospital and the attendings and residents for some reason feel we need to exsanguinate our patients on a daily basis. What about you out there? Do you do daily labs on people who have been status quo with no vent changes? How about chest x-rays?

Inquiring minds want to know?

Thanks!!

[Stormy]

For our stable, long-term vents, we do CXR as indicated by assessment. ABG's are done at least daily and PRN with vent changes or changes in patient condition.

Bloodwork is not done daily on the chronic patients unless there is a clinical indication to do so.