ICU Equipment 

AirwayArterial LineBedside Monitor Bi-Level Positive Air Pressure (BIPAP) MachineBiohazard Disposal BoxBlood Pressure Device (Sphygmomanometer)Blood Pressure MonitorBlood WarmerBreathing Bag (Manual Resuscitator)Breathing Machine (Mechanical Ventilator)Breathing Machine TubingBreathing Tube (Endotracheal Tube)BronchoscopeCall ButtonCapnography MonitorCentral Venous Line or CatheterChest Drainage DeviceChest TubeCode ButtonColonoscopeCompression StockingsContinuous Positive Air Pressure Machine (CPAP)DefibrillatorDialysis CatheterDialysis MachineECG Pad or EKG PadEEG PadElectrocardiograph (ECG or EKC) MachineElectroencephalograph (EEG) MachineEndoscopeFeeding TubeGastroscopeGastrostomy Tube (G Tube) (Stomach tube)Intra-aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)Intracranial Pressure Monitor (ICP)Intravenous (IV) Infusion PumpIntravenous (IV) Line or CatheterIsolation Care CartLiquid Tube Feeding PumpNasogastric (NG) TubePressure Bag (Pressure Pump)Pulmonary Artery CatheterPulse OximeterResuscitation Cart (Crash Cart)Soft RestraintsStethoscopeSuction CanisterSuction Catheter

Tracheostomy TubeUrinary Catheter (Foley Catheter)Urinary Drainage CollectorWound Drain

Airway

What is an airway? An airway is a device that helps keep the mouth and windpipe open so that air can reach the lungs. It may also be used to help prevent biting down on the tongue or breathing tube. (Note: Airway is also used to describe the normal passageway for air into and out of the body during breathing, from the mouth and/or nose to the lungs.)

Arterial Line 

Why does a patient need an arterial line? Critically ill or injured patients frequently have profound abnormalities in their blood pressure. The arterial line provides a way to constantly measure a patient's blood pressure and may be essential to the stabilization of the patient. Arterial lines may be useful in patients with very high or low blood pressures. The arterial line also provides access for frequent blood sampling. Blood can be withdrawn from the patient through the arterial line tubing without having to use a needle for each blood draw.

Bedside Monitor 

What is a bedside monitor? A bedside monitor is a display of major body functions on a device that looks like a television screen or computer monitor. The number of body functions the monitor measures is up to the doctor and nurse. The monitor is attached to wires, called leads. At the other end, the leads are attached to sensing devices attached to the patient's body. The sensing device sends electronic signals to the monitor, which displays the readings for the specific body function being monitored.

Bi-Level Positive Air Pressure (BIPAP) Machine 

What is a BIPAP Machine? The BIPAP machine is a specific type of breathing machine that helps the patient breathe. It is a small, bedside respiratory machine connected to tubing and a facemask worn by the patient. The BIPAP machine does two things - it helps push air into the lungs and helps hold the lungs open to allow more oxygen to enter the lungs. Each time the patient breathes, the BIPAP machine assists the patient by applying air pressure to the lungs while the patient is breathing out (exhaling or expiration) in order to hold open the air sacs in the lungs.

Biohazard Disposal Box 

What is a biohazard disposal box? Every patient room in the hospital contains a biohazard disposal box. The purpose of the box is to provide a receptacle for disposable needles or sharp instruments that have been used on patients. This practice decreases the risk of exposing patients, families, and medical staff to disease that may be spread by contacting blood. Hospital staff and personnel are trained to limit everyone's potential exposure to dangerous materials such as blood and germs.

Blood Pressure Device (Sphygmomanometer)

What is a sphygmomanometer? A sphygmomanometer is a method for measuring blood pressure. It is normally used by wrapping a tube around the arm and then filling the tube with air pressure. This temporarily stops blood flow. When the air pressure is released, blood flow returns and the pressure of the blood flow can be measured.

Blood Pressure Monitor 

What is a blood pressure monitor? A blood pressure monitor displays blood pressure measured from a catheter inserted into an artery. The picture to the right shows an arterial catheter inserted into the radial artery in the wrist. The catheter sends the blood pressure wave back to a bedside monitor, where it is continuously displayed. The blood pressure monitor is one of the most accurate methods for measuring blood pressure. Since the blood pressure monitor requires a catheter in an artery, the nurse may need to help the patient keep the artery still by placing a support (like a board under the wrist) or the use of soft restraints.

Blood Warmer

What is a blood warmer? A blood warmer increases the temperature of blood being transfused into a patient

Breathing Bag (Manual Resuscitator)

What is a breathing bag (manual resuscitator)?A breathing bag is a device used to temporarily help a patient breathe. When a patient needs help breathing, a respiratory therapist, doctor or nurse places the breathing bag face mask over the patient's mouth and nose. The breathing bag is connected to an oxygen source. The bag is then squeezed and oxygen is pushed into the patient's lungs. If the patient has a breathing tube in place, the breathing bag may be directly connected to the breathing tube.

Breathing Machine (Mechanical Ventilator)

What is a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator)? A breathing machine helps the patient breathe. It is designed to help patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own. The breathing machine does not fix any problems of the lungs. It is a device that simply pushes air and oxygen into the lungs and withdraws carbon dioxide from the lungs. The lungs must function in order for the breathing machine to be effective.

Breathing Machine Tubing

What is breathing machine tubing? Breathing machine tubing is the tubing that connects the breathing machine to the patient's endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. Each breath that the patient takes is passed through this tubing. The breathing machine tubing may have several extra pieces connected to it. For instance, a tube for measuring the pressure in the breathing system may be seen attached to the breathing machine tubing. A humidifier and air warmer may also be seen attached to this tubing.

Breathing Tube (Endotracheal Tube)

What is a breathing (endotracheal) tube? A breathing tube is a plastic tube used during artificial respiration, a procedure to assist a patient in breathing. One end of the breathing (endotracheal) tube is placed into the windpipe (trachea) through the mouth or nose. The other end of the tube is connected to a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) or breathing bag (manual resuscitator). The breathing tube provides an airway so that air and oxygen from the breathing machine or breathing bag can be provided to the lungs.

Bronchoscope

What is a bronchoscope? A bronchoscope an instrument used during bronchoscopy. It is a flexible tube with an eye piece or video screen. The instrument allows the doctor to see the inside of the windpipe (trachea)and smaller air passageways of the lungs. This procedure may be done at the patient's bedside, in the respiratory laboratory, or in the operating room. The patient receives sedation and pain medication prior to the procedure and rarely recalls the procedure itself. The doctor inserts the bronchoscope through the mouth or nose and into the windpipe (trachea) and smaller air passageways of the lungs. If a patient has a breathing tube in place, the bronchoscope can be inserted through the breathing tube. With the use of the bronchoscope, the doctor can assess a blockage of an air passageway, infection or injury. Frequently, lung secretions or small pieces of tissue from the trachea or lung are obtained (biopsy) and sent to the laboratory to help diagnose the patient's respiratory condition.

Call Button 

When should it be used? The call button should be used whenever the patient or family feels that they need the nurse.

Capnography Monitor What is a capnography monitor? A capnography monitor is a device that measures carbon dioxide. The capnography monitor is attached to tubing near the end of the breathing or tracheostomy tube. Carbon dioxide measurement is an important part of monitoring lung function. The carbon dioxide values from the capnography monitor are often displayed on the bedside monitor.

Central Venous Line or Catheter What is a central venous catheter? A central venous catheter is a special IV line that is inserted into a large vein in the body. Several veins are used for central venous catheters including those located in the shoulder (subclavian vein), neck (jugular vein), and groin (femoral vein). In some patients, a central venous catheter may be inserted into the elbow vein (anticubital vein) and advanced into the subclavian vein. These special IVs are used when the patient either does not have adequate veins in the arms or needs special medications and/or nutrition that cannot be given through the smaller arm veins.

Chest Drainage Device What is a chest drainage device? The chest drainage device includes a chest tube and a chest drainage unit. A chest tube is placed to remove air or fluid from around a patient's lung. The chest drainage unit is attached to the chest tube by elastic tubing that allows the air or fluid to drain. The chest drainage unit may be seen attached to the patient's bed or resting on the floor next to the patient's bed. Fluid draining from the chest will be seen in the chest drainage unit. Some chest drainage units have a chamber that bubbles constantly.

Chest Tube

What is a chest tube? A chest tube is a hollow tube placed between the lung and the chest wall (pleural space). The chest tube provides a way to drain air, blood or other fluids that may have accumulated in the pleural space. The pleural space normally has a small amount of fluid within it.

Code Button What is a code button? A code button is usually found in each ICU room. The ICU staff pushes this button for

emergencies such as a cardiopulmonary arrest. Emergencies within the hospital are often referred to as "codes".

Colonoscope

What is a colonoscope? A colonoscope is an instrument used for performing colonoscopy. It is a flexible tube with an eye piece or video screen. The instrument allows the doctor to see the inside of the large intestine (colon). This procedure may be done at the patient's bedside, in the gastrointestinal (GI) laboratory, or in the operating room. The pateint receives sedation and pain medication prior to the procedure and rarely recalls the procedure itself. The doctor inserts the colonoscope through the anus and rectum into the colon. With use of the colonoscope, the doctor can assess a colon blockage, infection or injury, including injury to the colon from a lack of blood flow (ischemia) or other diseases. Frequently, small pieces of tissue from the colon are obtained (biopsy) and sent to the laboratory to help diagnose the patient's condition.

Compression Stockings

What are compression stockings? Compression stockings are plastic wraps that are placed around a patient's legs in order to decrease the chance of blood clot formation. They have compartments that inflate and deflate, gently squeezing the muscles of the legs. The stockings are connected to a small compressor that controls the timing of the inflation/deflation cycles. The squeezing action of the compression stockings improves the circulation in the leg veins, thus decresing the chance of clot formation. Most ICU patients have an increased risk of blood clot formation and compression stockings are one of the measures used to decrease this risk. Unfortunately, no measure is 100% effective at preventing the formation of blood clots in the leg veins of ICU patients.

Continuous Positive Air Pressure Machine (CPAP)

What is a CPAP machine? CPAP is a type of breathing machine that is designed to help oxygen enter the lungs. CPAP does not breathe for the patient. CPAP does help hold the lungs open to allow more oxygen to enter the lungs. The CPAP machine is connected to tubing and a facemask worn by the patient.

ICU Medical Conditions

What is a defibrillator? A defibrillator is a device that is designed to pass electrical current through a patient’s heart. The passing of electrical current through the heart is called defibrillation. A defibrillation is done through pads placed on the patient’s chest

Dialysis Catheter    

What is a dialysis catheter? A dialysis catheter is a specialized type of central venous catheter used for dialysis.

Dialysis Machine What is a dialysis machine? A dialysis machine is a machine that cleans the blood of toxins when the kidneys are not working. The patient's blood enters the dialysis machine and goes through a special filter that works like the kidney to remove fluid and toxins from the blood. The use of the dialysis machine is termed hemodialysis. A patient undergoing hemodialysis must be connected to the hemodialysis machine by tubing that allows blood to flow to and from the dialysis machine. The tubing is connected to the patient by way of a dialysis shunt or catheter.

ECG Pad or EKG Pad    

What is an ECG pad or EKG pad? An ECG pad is a small device that is placed on the body to detect the electrical activity of the heart. They are placed on the body and connected to wires (leads) that lead into an ECG machine (electrocardiograph), which displays the information on a bedside monitor and/or prints it.

EEG Pad What is an EEG pad? An EEG (electroencephalogram) pad is a sensor placed within a pad that sticks to the head. The pad is placed on the head to send signals measuring brain activity to a monitor, on which the readings are displayed. The pad does not hurt.

Electrocardiograph (ECG or EKC) Machine What is an electrocardiograph (ECG)machine? An electrocardiograph machine is a device that measures and records electrical activity in the heart by the use of ECG pads placed on the chest and connected to wires, call leads. The leads are connected to a bedside monitor where the information is displayed. ECGs are usually measured in at least one view (i.e., one line on the monitor). Many doctors and nurses want more than one view, often as many as twelve views, also called leads. To measure these different views, ECG pads are placed on several parts of the body. The nurse determines where to place these pads based on the view of the heart that is desired.

Electroencephalograph (EEG) Machine What is an electroencephalograph (EEG) machine? An EEG machine is a device that measures the electrical activity in the brain. The

electrical signals that come from the brain can help the doctor identify what is wrong with the brain. However, the EEG machine only measures electrical activity in the brain. There is much about brain function that cannot be measured by the EEG. The EEG machine may either be a separate piece of equipment or available in the bedside monitor. The EEG machine obtains its measurements through wires, called leads, connected to sensors (EEG pads) placed on a patient's head.

Endoscope

What is an endoscope? Critically ill or critically injured patients may have or develop problems with their swallowing tube (esophagus), stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon) or lungs. Doctors use slender flexible tubes with a lighted end to look at these structures. The instruments are called endoscopes. The endoscope used to look at the stomach is called a gastroscope and the endoscope used to look at the colon is called a colonoscope. A bronchoscope, used to view the lungs, is another type of endoscope. The various types of endoscopes differ slightly in tube diameter and length. All allow the doctor to visually inspect tissues, sample small portions of tissue to diagnose problems (biopsy) and to treat some of the diseases that occur in critically ill patients.

Feeding Tube

What is a liquid tube feeding pump? A liquid tube feeding pump is a specialized pump designed to accurately deliver liquid tube feeding to a patient

Gastroscope

What is a gastroscope? A gastroscope is a special kind of endoscope. The gastroscope is a flexible plastic tube approximately four feet long and one half inch wide. The gastroscope contains optic fibers with a light source that allow the gastroscope to function like a video camera. The doctor uses the gastroscope to see the swallowing tube (esophagus), stomach, and part of the small intestines (duodenum). The gastroscope also has a hollow channel or tunnel throughout its entire length. The tunnel provides a way for the doctor to give medications or biopsy the swallowing tube, stomach, or small intestines to diagnose and treat certain conditions.

Gastrostomy Tube (G Tube) (Stomach tube)

What is a gastrostomy tube? A gastrostomy tube is a flexible plastic hollow tube placed into the stomach through the skin overlying the stomach. The purpose of gastrostomy is to provide a way to give patients food and medications

Intra-aortic Balloon Pumping (IABP)

What is intra-aortic balloon pumping? Intra-aortic balloon pumping is a temporary emergency measure to help the heart pump more blood and improve blood flow to the heart.

Intracranial Pressure Monitoring (ICP) What is intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP)? ICU patients who have sustained head trauma, brain hemorrhage, brain surgery, or conditions in which the brain may swell might require intracranial pressure monitoring. The purpose of ICP monitoring is to continuously measure the pressure surrounding the brain. If the pressure surrounding the brain gets too high, it can cause decreased blood flow to the brain and potentially lead to brain damage.

Intravenous (IV) Line or Catheter What is an intravenous (IV) line or catheter? Note that the words "line" and "catheter" are often used to mean the same thing by the medical staff. A catheter is a hollow, flexible tube used to either drain fluid (e.g., urine or excess fluid) from a body cavity or provide fluid (e.g., blood, drugs, or nutrients) to the body. Intravenous means "within a vein or veins", so an IV line or catheter is always used in a vein. An IV line or catheter, which is placed in one of the patient's veins, connects to IV tubing, which in turn connects to an IV bag containing the blood, fluid, nutrients, or medication to be supplied. Sometimes doctors and nurses refer to this entire system as an IV line or catheter, or just as an "IV".

Isolation Care Cart What is an isolation care cart? This is a cart that contains the supplies, such as gowns, gloves, etc., needed for entry to the room of a patient in isolation care. It is usually placed just outside the patient's room.

Feeding Pump

What is a liquid tube feeding pump? A liquid tube feeding pump is a specialized pump designed to accurately deliver liquid tube feeding to a patient.

Nasogastric (NG) Tube What is a nasogastric (NG) tube? A nasogastric (NG) tube is a flexible plastic tube that goes through the patient's mouth or nose into the stomach. It is designed to remove stomach contents or provide a route to give medication or food to a patient who cannot swallow. The portion of the NG tube outside of the patient may be plugged closed, connected to a delivery device or connected to a suction device. NG tubes may be inserted

while the patient is in the emergency department, operating room, ICU, or regular hospital ward.

Pressure Bag (Pressure Pump)

What is a pressure bag or pressure pump? A pressure bag, also called a pressure pump, is a special bag used with an IV bag. The IV bag contains fluids (blood, medications or nutrients) and connects via IV tubing to an IV line in the patient. IV fluids normally drip into the IV line. The pressure pump is used to help the IV fluids either run faster or continuously flow into the patient.

Pulmonary Artery Catheterization What is pulmonary artery catheterization? Pulmonary artery catheterization is a procedure performed to provide information regarding the patient's blood circulation, specifically, the pressure and amount of fluid or blood in the circulation and an assessment of the pumping action of the heart.

Pulse Oximetry What is pulse oximetry? Pulse oximetry is the study of arterial oxygen saturation, the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood. A pulse oximeter is the device that measures and displays the oxygen arterial saturation.

Resuscitation Cart (Crash Cart)

What is a resuscitation (crash) cart? The resuscitation cart contains all of the equipment and medications needed for advanced life support and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Soft Restraints What are soft restraints? Soft restraints are devices made of material that are designed to safely fit around the wrists, ankles, or chest of a patient. These devices prevent excessive movement of the patient's body part to which they are attached.

Stethoscope

What is a stethoscope? A stethoscope is a device used to listen to different parts of the body. The most common body parts examined with a stethoscope are the lungs, heart, and abdomen (stomach). The stethoscope allows the medical staff to hear sounds within the body that are important for diagnosis and care of the patient. Often the stethoscope is used for repeated examinations

to follow a patient's condition. Although a simple device, the stethoscope provides doctors and nurses with valuable information.

Suction Canister 

What is a suction canister? A suction canister is a temporary storage container for secretions or fluids removed from the body. These fluids or secretions may come from the patient’s lungs, stomach or wounds. The suction canister may be seen attached to the wall of the patient’s room or resting on the floor next to the patient’s bed.

Tracheostomy (Tracheotomy)What is a tracheostomy tube? A tracheostomy tube is a small tube designed to be directly placed into a patient's windpipe through the neck. The surgical procedure of inserting a tracheostomy tube into a patient's windpipe is called a tracheotomy

Urinary Catheter (Foley Catheter)What is a urinary catheter (Foley catheter)? A urinary or Foley catheter is a soft tube that is placed into the urinary bladder to drain urine. The catheter is inserted into the urethra, the tube in the body that leads from the urinary bladder to outside of the body. The Foley catheter is connected to a urinary drainage bag.

Urinary Drainage Collector What is a urinary drainage collector? A urinary drainage collector is a plastic bag that is attached to the urinary catheter and collects the urine. Typically the urinary drainage collector will be seen hanging from the side of the bed. Most urinary drainage collectors have numbers marking the side of the collector that allows the ICU staff to make accurate measurements.  

Wound Drain What is a wound drain? A wound drain is typically a plastic tube that provides a way for unnecessary body fluids or air to flow out of the body from a wound. After surgery, some patients require wound drains. The wound drain is inserted while the patient is in the operating room receiving general anesthesia. The purpose of the drain is to remove fluid and/or blood from the area of surgery. This helps the healing process. Not all patients need wound drains following surgery. One end of the wound drain is placed within the wound and the other end may be connected to a suction collection device. The fluid may be collected in a drainage bag, plastic bulb, plastic carton, or onto a dressing.

Oxygen Supply

Oxygen is supplied to the patients in the hospital in two forms, in portable tanks and in the main hospital oxygen tank. Portable tanks are used to supply oxygen to patients when they move around the hospital for tests, therapy or simply walking. The main hospital oxygen tank is connected to the hospital rooms through pipes. The oxygen connector may be seen coming out of the wall of a patient's room. The hospital staff will place a special adapter into the connector that is used to regulate the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to a patient.

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