Simply put, the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is a hospital specialty area dedicated to the care of seriously ill children. Infants, young children, and severely ill newborns are all patients in a PICU. This indicates that patients under the age of 18 make up the majority of PICU patients. Occasionally, patients with uncommon disorders who are a little older are also brought to the PICU.
Children in need of critical medical attention receive it in PICU at the highest level. A PICU also has extensive nursing care and continuous monitoring of the child's vital signs, such as heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure. Other hospital departments do not offer the medical treatments offered in a PICU. These may consist of ventilators, certain drugs, etc. In a PICU, you might see the following equipment:
Monitoring apparatus:- These tools are used to monitor the child's respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure. In order to continuously monitor the amount of oxygen in the blood, a pulse oximeter is clipped on the finger.
Breathing apparatus:- Kids who need extra assistance breathing can be given an oxygen mask or a nasal canula. A tube is placed into the child's windpipe and attached to the ventilator that aids in breathing if the youngster need a ventilator for mechanical breathing assistance.
Central lines and intravenous catheters:- The child's body can get fluids and medications directly thanks to central lines and IVs. The amount of fluids and medicine that can be given at once is the only distinction between IVs and central lines.
Testing apparatus:- It is necessary to have X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound gear for a variety of medical tests. Depending on the treatment plan, blood and urine tests are also performed.
The primary goals of paediatricians, nurses, and other professionals working in the PICU are to accurately identify the condition, reduce pain, reduce the likelihood of disability, and hasten the child's recovery. Modern infrastructure and high-tech equipment are available at PICUs to deliver outstanding care for seriously ill kids.
In a PICU, the staff typically consists of PICU nurses, PICU residents (MD doctors-in-training), PICU doctors, occupational therapists (to keep kids busy), child life specialists (to help kids understand their treatment method), physical therapists (to help kids regain their mobility), and other doctors (depending on the child's needs and conditions).
The following health conditions may necessitate a stay in the PICU:
a serious infection
Congenital disorders
difficult surgery
systemic failure
Immune system diseases
Foodborne illness
Unintentional harm
Epilepsy
overdosing on medication
Cancer
The child's health status determines how long they must stay in the PICU. While some children might only need to stay in the PICU for one or two days, others can need weeks or even months to fully recover.
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