What to Expect When Your Child is Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

The admission process can be scary, and usually starts in the emergency room. The child is crying and upset or worse yet, so sick they aren't responding. This is what to expect if you find yourself in this situation.

First, expect to have to answer the same questions over and over for every new member of the health care team. If it is a teaching institution, that can mean 10-12 nurses, doctors, and residents. Every team member will ask you the child's allergies, medicines, and medical history. It is not because we are a lazy group or don't read what others have written. It is because stress causes parents to neglect to mention key points. If several team members ask the same type of questions, important information about your child and the current illness will not be overlooked.

Second, be ready for the child to be hooked up to several monitor cords while in the intensive care. The usual monitoring system will show the child's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and sometimes temperature. These rates will show up on a monitor screen either in the child's room or on a screen at a central desk outside of the room. It can seem very intimidating to parents to see their child so wired. As a parent, ask questions and make sure you understand the reason behind all of the monitoring devices.

The third thing you should be prepared for is that your child will have an IV or intravenous infusions to receive medicines and fluids. This tubing adds to the confusion of the monitors and wires so the entire scene can be overwhelming. The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is all for the benefit of keeping accurate information on your child and his or her condition.

Intensive care means just that , intensive watching over your child. Monitors, IV infusions, and numerous questions are the first things to expect when your child is admitted to an ICU. Be patient with the health care team as they treat your child the best way possible. Ask questions when you are not sure what is happening. Working together with the health care workers will ease your stress and help the team give your child the best care available.