Use of mechanical ventilation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation began.

Initial stabilization of critically ill patients provided but limited ability to provide comprehensive critical care

Intensivist is given authority to manage patient's care in urgent and emergent situations.

Competent critical care nurse is able to collect and interpret basic data, then follow pathways and algorithms when providing care.

Critical care nurses (both novice and expert) can develop the mindset that questioning practice is an issue of safety.

What is the focus of nursing care for high-acuity clients?

A client has an order to "allow natural death." Upon entering the room, the nurse notes the client's heart rate has decreased from 80 bpm to 30 bpm. What should the nurse do immediately?

Factors Affecting the Well-Being of Critical Care Nurses

–Sustaining a balance between work and play

Factors Affecting the Well-Being of Critical Care Nurses

–Balancing work and home responsibilities

All are included in 4 A’s to Rise Above Moral Distress except:

Local, state, or federal government has filed a suit against a nurse

Tort law, a wrong committed against a person or the person’s property

Choice of restraint should always be the least invasive option.

Nurses consistently state that when they do not have a voice in the decision-making, they feel powerless and that they cannot find meaning in the patients’ or families’ suffering.

Categories of Death in the I C U

–Death occurs, despite all efforts by clinicians.

Patient requests that action be taken to end life.

Critical care nurses and ventilated patients indicate communication can be frustrating and difficult.

How will you ask the patient to describe the characteristics of the pain?