Critical Care
If you are in a serious accident or become gravely ill, you may be
sent to a critical care unit in a hospital. Critical care refers to
the treatment given to people who are having life-threatening
medical problems requiring the expertise of a team... More
If you are in a serious accident or become gravely ill, you may be sent to a critical care unit in a hospital. Critical care refers to the treatment given to people who are having life-threatening medical problems requiring the expertise of a team of highly trained medical professionals. You may need critical care if you have a heart attack or a stroke. If you are in a critical care unit, you will most likely need assistance from critical care equipment including IVs, catheters, monitors, ventilators and feeding tubes. Less
Recently Answered
- Q What does EMS stand for?
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EMS stands for Emergency Medical Services. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provide out of hospital care for those with an illness or an injury. EMS operates with a number of different types of healthcare providers including emergency medical... More
- Q What should I tell the nurse when I get to the ER?
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Focus on your main troubling symptoms when you're talking to the triage nurse, and tell her/him about all of your medical conditions. Saying, "I have severe dizziness" is serious; saying, "I have severe dizziness and I'm a diabetic" is critical.... More
When you get to the ER, you should tell the nurse the specific reason that you are there - and be honest! This is called a ‘chief complaint’. Let the nurse know what symptoms you have, when they began, and what may have affected... More
What brings you to the ER. A description of what is happening. When it started & whether the symptoms you are experiencing have changed What may have brought on the problem if any What you did so far to manage the medical problem What your... More
- Q What x-rays and imaging scans might I get in the emergency room (ER)?
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X-ray and imaging scans are valuable imaging tools used to diagnose your problem. Contrary to general opinion, doctors do not have x-ray vision. If you tell the EM doctor you have a pain in your head, he or she may order a test that will help... More
- Q How is oxygen administered in the ER?
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Oxygen is administered through nasal prongs or a face mask. It will be adjusted according to your oxygenation level. Your oxygenation level is measured by attaching a monitoring device to your finger. For infants, the device is attached to the... More
- Q How are breathing treatments administered in the ER?
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If you require a breathing treatment to help you breathe better, the medication will be given through a jet nebulizer and administered by a respiratory technician or nurse who will stay by your side throughout the treatment. As you breathe, the... More
- Q Can I eat or drink while in the emergency room (ER)?
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Whether or not you should eat or drink depends on why you’re at the emergency room (ER). If the tip of your toe is hanging off, you can probably eat. I say "probably" because the reason food and drink is discouraged is because some tests... More
