Intensive Care Nursing/Cubicle Safety Checks
Treat the bedside or cubicle checks as the safety component at the start of the shift. This process can be considered similar to a pilot's safety checks of the cabin and plane.
- Monitor- alarm limits
- Ventilator settings and alarms
- Oxygen in working order
- Bag/mask device (check PEEP and match to ventilator setting)
- Suction in working order
- Suction catheters
- Spare oxygen cylinder for emergency transport (check fill level)
- Portable suction device working
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, mask and goggles (ensure appropriate size)
- Check all infusions from point of connection all the way to the drug, ensure labelled correctly and expiry details.
- Connections of all iv access, drains and devices.
- Power sources- check all devices are plugged in and receiving power, check any back up sources
- Check documentation, especially observations. Human factors make it very easy to follow previous documentation and continue to miss vital observations unintentionally.
Consider the British Army 7P's adage for Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance link here.