Helping Those In An ICU Avoid Agitation

The ICU is an essential room in any hospital but people staying there may develop agitation. This agitation occurs for a variety of reasons and can be avoided by taking a variety of simple steps. In this way, a person can be happy and healthy in an ICU.

Why A Patient May Need To Go To An ICU

The intensive care unit or ICU is a vitally important area in any hospital. They help provide a careful and caring environment in which a patient can recover after a serious surgery. Close monitoring and 24/7 care is typical int his type of situation. Often, these rooms lack windows and keep a patient in a centralized and easy-to-monitor area that ensures they stay healthy.

This heavily monitored status makes an ICU a great place for people with serious concerns to recover in a healthy way. However, there is a slight risk that they may develop confusion or agitation during their stay. Understanding this concern can ensure that steps are taken to keep it from becoming a more serious situation.

Temporary Confusion May Be Possible

Confusion and agitation in an ICU setting is often known as ICU psychosis. It typically occurs for a variety of reasons, including agitation caused by sensory deprivation and sleep disturbance. These problems are difficult to manage and unpredictable. Most people in an ICU unit won't experience them because the staff will take steps to managing them, such as visiting them regularly and inviting friends and family members to visit.

By carefully preparing for this problem and preventing it, a person can stay in an ICU with no problem. However, some confusion and agitation can actually occur when they move back to the general ward. Thankfully, this is a problem that can also be avoided by understanding why people get upset when moving back to a general ward.

Transitioning Back Can Also Be Difficult

Moving to a general ward is often a difficult situation for many patients after the intensive care of an ICU unit. That's because a general ward provides a less comprehensive care situation. For example, a patient won't have the one-on-one care that is typical for an ICU unit. As a result, they may get upset or confused about their level of care.

Thankfully, transitioning isn't impossible. Talking with the patient and their family can help do a lot to prevent this problem. If they are aware of the changes, they can prepare for them. For example, family members can plan their visits carefully to ensure their loved one has everything they need. It is also possible to schedule regular visits with their primary caregiver to keep them from getting anxious.

Thankfully, agitation and confusion of this type are uncommon in an ICU. These centers are designed to provide the greatest overall care and attention possible for those who need it. However, it is also important to be prepared for potential confusion and to manage it successfully.

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