ahicks

0.45% NS makes perfect sense to me. Plus you clarified the order with the doc. You did everything you should have done. That nurse was out of line.

I think I need more info. Was the patient admitted with DKA?

Cut yourself some slack. Everyone looks a tad different with a tube down their throat. LOL!

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I was under the impression that only a doc could reinsert the trach. I will be sure to check my hospital policy as well.

I am a new grad working in the ICU. Recently there was a patient in my ICU that pulled out their own trach. What is the best way for me as the nurse to protect the airway until the doc can get their to put trach back in. Please elaborate, I have very little experience with trachs.

Lowest Hgb I ever saw was a 5.4. Pt was a GI bleed. Only symptom was some mild SOB.

I am new to the ICU and I was wondering if anyone could give me some clarification about chest tubes. The way I understand it, if the chest tube is in place to drain fluid (such as after a CABG) you DO NOT want to see an air leak. However, if the chest tube is in place for a pneumothorax, you DO want to see an air leak because this represents air leaving the pts. chest cavity. Is this right?

I know how u feel. I am a new grad, just got my license in April 2009, and was hired straight into the ICU. I know how overwhelming it can be at times. The other nurses on the unit that I have talked to say that it it took them about 5 years for them to feel completely comfortable in the ICU. Their advice to me was just to give it time. I was also questioning whether or not the ICU was the place for me, but I'm going to follow their advice and hang in there for a couple years, and then re-evaluate how I feel at that time. Good luck, don't give up!