Icu

[ljbutler]

Hello to everyone! I will be in Nursing IV (yeah last semester!!!) when I go back in January. The first thing we will be studying is ICU. Past students have all said this is the hardest part of Nursing IV (and also the first thing we will have on returning in the Spring). I would really like to study ICU the month we are out between semesters so I will be somewhat ahead. Can anyone recommend what and how I might study ICU??????

[pixie888]

You can start with reviewing the heart extensively. Go over preload, afterload, and contractility. You will be learning about arrhythmias and how EXACTLY the heart and lungs work together. You will learn how to read EKG's and how the waves correlate with what the heart is doing. You will also need to refresh yourself on ABG's. You should also review fluid and electrolyte balance. You will be looking at what meds to give with each arrhythimas, how to effect change in preload afterload and contractility. One thing to remember: always fix preload FIRST! Many times this is done by giving fluids. In a critical care course, you will learn to look at all body systems and put all the information together to critically evaluate the critical patient. If I were you, I'd get the book early and start reading. Don't study too hard over the break though, we all need breaks or we burn out. If you have been a good studen up to this point, you will probably be fine, just don't get behind once the course starts.

Good luck.

T