egnewber Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 I'm starting an ICU rotation in a week - has anyone here done one? I've been told I'll just be observing for the first few days, which will be good since I'll be able to see the patient presentation style on rounds. There's just a few things I'm nervous about though (like how do you do a physical exam on a heavily sedated and intubated patient?!!)...does anyone have any tips of what to read over/know about before I start? I've been skimming Marino's ICU book but that's about it. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeM Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 i start my icu rotation tomorrow. i'll pass along anything i pick up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted August 23, 2015 Moderator Share Posted August 23, 2015 if you can do the online FCCS course before you start that would be a big help: http://www.sccm.org/Fundamentals/FCCS/Pages/FCCS-Online.aspx I have done the in-person course twice and it covers all the main topics in the specialty like vents, pressors, abx selection, critical procedures, sepsis, etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winterallsummer Posted August 23, 2015 Share Posted August 23, 2015 I really enjoyed my ICU rotation. The book you have is great. Yes examining the comatose patient is difficult but basically you want to do a GCS, check the pupils, listen to the chest, palpate the abdomen and legs, check the peripheral pulses, look at any surgical sites or wounds, check the foley, chest tube if present, any other output/drains, review the vent settings, labs, imaging and recent notes. If they are responsive, see what commands they can follow, if they have equal strength in all four limbs. And not all ICU patients are intubated, some are there for other indications and can provide you with a history. You will be fine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egnewber Posted August 25, 2015 Author Share Posted August 25, 2015 Thanks guys, this was really helpful! JoeM - I would love to hear about how your rotation is going EMEDPA - great advice as always; I'll look into that course winterallsummer - really helpful overview, definitely feel a little less nervous about doing the PE now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.