Post-op, open heart, removed from vent < 30 mins ago...

[Miss Chybil RN, BSN, RN]

(Scenario question) How long do I have to stay with her? How often do I have to check on her?

This is only part of a prioritizing question, but this is "my" patient and the rest of the imaginary ICU is having a bunch of problems. Can I help anybody else, or am I to stay with my patient? My gut says to stay, but I really don't know.

ON EDIT: Never mind. I think I found the answer to my question in my textbook.

"The nurse must carefully monitor the patient's vital signs, respiratory status, and oxygenation immediatley following extubation, within 1 hour, and per institutional policy. If the patient cannot tolerate extubation, immediate reintubation may be necessary."

My patient in my scenario is stable. I think I can leave as long as I can check her again within one hour of extubation. That's how I read it anyway. If you have another idea, please, let me know.

Thanks!

[cannew304]

I think in this kind of situation it isn't "how often do I HAVE to check on them, how long do I HAVE to stay with them".. it's more what do I need to do to keep this patient safe?

A pt who is a fresh open-heart post-op just extubated isn't someone that I'd leave ASAP to go help others. This patient is your priority. Help others if you can, but don't sacrifice your patient for theirs. Many things can go wrong.. BP can drop, infection can set in, they may have respiratory distress etc., etc., etc. You need to be there in case something happens so you can act quickly.

Yes, you may only need to take vitals q1h, you may only need to listen to BS q1h, but you may very well need to do it more often than that. ICU means you stay in the room or very close to it, and someone is always listening out for you and your kid.