Sample interview questions: How do you prioritize patient care in the ICU?
Sample answer:
- Assess Patient Acuity:
- Evaluate each patient’s medical condition, vital signs, and overall stability.
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Use triage tools to assess the severity of illness and determine the most critical patients.
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Maintain Airway and Breathing:
- Ensure patients have a patent airway and are receiving adequate oxygenation.
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Prioritize airway management and respiratory support, including intubation and mechanical ventilation if necessary.
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Control Hemorrhage and Shock:
- Assess for active bleeding and promptly control it to prevent hypovolemic shock.
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Administer fluids and blood products as indicated to maintain hemodynamic stability.
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Manage Cardiac Conditions:
- Monitor heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure closely.
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Initiate appropriate interventions, such as defibrillation, cardioversion, and medications, to manage cardiac emergencies.
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Prevent and Treat Infection:
- Administer antibiotics promptly to treat active infections and prevent sepsis.
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Implement infection control measures, including hand hygiene, isolation protocols, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Nutritional Support:
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Assess nutritional status and provide appropriate nutritional support, including enteral or parenteral nutrition, to prevent malnutrition.
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Neurological Monitoring:
- Monitor patients with neurological conditions, such as head injuries and stroke, for changes in mental status and neurological function.
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Initiate interventions to prevent secondary brain injury, such as controlled ventilation, sedation, and hypothermia.
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Renal and Fluid Management:
- Monitor fluid balance and electrolyte levels to prevent dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and renal failure.
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Implement … Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/2_0_10/Intensive%20Care%20Unit%20%28ICU%29%20Nurse