Preparing.for Transport
Having recognized and addressed Mr. W's risk factors, his nurse Nancy organized the team for his transport to CT scan, making sure another nurse was able to care for her other patients while she was off the unit. Mr. W needed a respiratory therapist during the transport to assist with manual ventilation. Other members of the transport team included two transporters to help manage the equipment, open doors, and hold elevators. Nancy gathered the portable equipment and connected it to Mr. W. 1his included a cardiac monitor, a blood pressure monitor, a pulse oximctcr, and a monitor for the PA pressures. IV lines were organized so that only essential infusions were transported with Mr. W.
Nancy had other issues to consider prior to transporting Mr.W:
How long will the equipment batteries last? Will the water seal for the chest tube hang on the bed? Will Mr. W need suctioning? What medications will he need while he is out of the ICU? Docs he need something for pain or his next dose of antibiotic? Will he need new IV fluids while he is gone? Ifhc is able, docs he understand the procedure that he's going to have? Where is his family? Do they know what is going on?
Fortunately for Nancy, one battery-operated machine was able to monitor invasive pressures, cardiac rhythm, and pulse oximetry. The respiratory therapist used a portable ventilator to provide ventilation and oxygenation. A ventilator was set up in the CT suite for Mr. W. The chest tube drain fit over the rail around the bed, maintaining the water seal without suction. The urinary catheter also had a special hook allowing it to hang securely on the side of the bed.
Mr. W was understandably anxious about what was going on, as was his wife.
Nancy decided to contact the imaging department prior to transporting Mr. W. What type• of question• should she uk of the radiology nune?
What information could Nancy provide to Mr. W and bis wife to allay IODle of their concerns?