special subjects
Special Care Units
Types of units
 are for people who are seriously ill. These people include those who have had a sudden, general malfunction (failure) of an organ, such as the liver, lungs (requiring assistance with breathing), or kidneys (requiring Dialysis ). People who are in ICUs have equipment to support and constantly monitor vital functions. This equipment includes the following: Cardiac monitor: a machine that monitors heart rate and rhythm ( Electrocardiography , or ECG), blood pressure, and breathing rate that is connected to people by various lines or wires Central intravenous (IV) line: a flexible catheter inserted into a vein in the neck, upper chest, or upper thigh to give people medications, fluids, and sometimes nutrients. Mechanical Ventilation to help people with breathing and Because people in ICUs require more care than usual, more staff members are available to provide care. Visiting hours and rules for visitors are more restrictive in these units. Cardiac telemetry unitsare for people who require cardiac monitoring but are not ill enough to require intensive monitoring in ICUs. The cardiac monitors used in these units usually transmit information wirelessly to make it easier for people to walk around and use the bathroom. Step-down units (intermediate care units)are for people who are too sick to go to a regular hospital bed but are more stable than people in the ICU. Not all hospitals have these units. 