When you are in ICU you will inevitably hear terms or abbreviations that are unfamiliar to you. This is a short list of the most common ones. If there are additional terms you think should be included please send your suggestion(s) using the box below.
ARDS – Acute respiratory distress syndrome – when the lungs do not work sufficiently leading to rapid and shallow breathing.
Arterial lines – An arterial line is a small, plastic tube that we put into an artery in the wrist, arm or groin.
Artificial kidney machine – A machine, which removes blood from a patient, purifies it by dialysis, adds vital substances, before returning it to a vein.
Blood gas machine – a machine which measures the blood gases.
Breathing Machine (see also Ventilator) – The breathing machine blows air and oxygen in and out of the lungs. The breathing machine can do all the breathing for the patient or it can assist the patient’s own breathing
Blood Gases – a blood test to check the level of oxygen, carbon dioxide and acidity which may be done several times a day.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) – this is the waste gas eliminated by the lungs.
Catheter – A hollow flexible tube for insertion into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to allow the passage of fluids or distend a passageway. One use includes the drainage of urine from the bladder through the urethra.
CCU/ICU/ITU – Intensive Care Units can be referred to by various names which mean the same thing, for example Critical Care Unit (CCU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or Intensive Therapy unit (ITU). The unit cares for patients with acute illness or injury that require specialised procedures and treatments by specialised staff.
Central line – a line that is inserted into the patient in order for liquids/drugs to be passed into their veins.
COPD – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – refers to a number of chronic lung disorders that obstruct air flow. The most common form of COPD is a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and is another way in which we can help support patients with their breathing. It involves putting a tight fitting mask over the patient’s nose and mouth. The mask needs to be tight so that we can deliver extra support using air and oxygen at varying pressures. A transparent hood that fits over the head (rather like a large bubble) can also sometimes be used, as patients often find this much more comfortable.
Critical Care Team – a team of health professionals who care for critically ill and injured patients. It includes predominantly a critical care intensives and critical care nurses but may also include physiotherapists, pharmacists, technicians, social workers and clergy.
Endotracheal tube – this tube is inserted through either the patient’s nose or throat into the windpipe and is sometimes referred to as an ET tube.
Intensivist – a critical care physician whose medical practice is focused entirely on the care of critically ill and injured patients.
Intraveneous – A drug, nutrient solution, or other substance administered into a vein.
Ketoacidosis – Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious problem that can happen in people with diabetes if their body starts to run out of insulin.
Monitor – An electronic device used to record, regulate, or control the patient’s heartbeat, blood pressure and oxygen levels.
PO2 – Blood oxygen level.
POCCU – Post-op Critical Care Unit
Pulse oximeter – a probe that wraps around a hand or foot, connected to a machine, which measures how much oxygen the blood is carrying.
Sepsis – Overwhelming infection that causes heart, blood vessel and cell dysfunction.
Speaking valve – this allows a patient with a tracheostomy to use their voice and is only used as the patient’s condition improves.
Suction – mechanical removal of mucous from the nose, throat or endotracheal tube with a plastic tube.
Tracheostomy – a tracheostomy (or ‘trachy’) is a tube inserted into the windpipe via a hole in the patient’s throat. This sounds very daunting and can look strange, but it is much more comfortable for the patient and means they can be awake.
Urinary Catheter – This is a tube that is passed into the bladder, and allows the nurses to monitor how much urine is produced each hour.
Ventilator – also known as a breathing machine, this piece of equipment blows air and oxygen in and out of the lungs. The breathing machine can do all the breathing for the patient or it can assist the patient’s own breathing.
Weaning – the process of taking a patient off the ventilator once they are able to breathe on their own.