Learning Log during outreach on Ventilator Long Term Ward

I have learned how to document and reflect the data from ventilator displays into the electronic patient record

Being provided knowledge on the steps of supporting the patients with invasive ventilation to connecting the patients to different humidification tubes for assisted breathing and also supporting them with trachea cuff down. In which the trachea cuff down involves two people as there should be a person responsible in suctioning the free flowing secretions and another person managing the cuff down.

Being able to know the purposes of supporting patients during emergencies through the  Aenesthetic Mapleson C ambu bag being within reach to support patients in emergency situations. Following the designated protocol within the ward setting on my outreach.

Being provided the knowledge on doing routine cough assist  for regular clearing of airway for patients. This improves their breathing and saturations. Most of the patients do experience orthostatic hypotension in which are supported with medication and equipment (abdominal binder, TED Stockings)

Following routine changing of equipment i.e swapping devices such as ventilators, changing the humidification chambers to avoid build up of any bacteria following infection control protocols. Knowing when to change the humidificaion filters to decrease the risks of chest complications i.e build of thicker secretions, prone to chest infections i.e pneumonia

Working alongside a Registered Nurse in providing clinical care and doing drug calculations and administration of medication. Supporting patients with buried bumper checks for PEG Tube patients before administering medications through PEG tube.

Being able to support the Registered Nurse with doing wound care management on a patient such as placing some perscribe/ reccomended dressings before applying the trache tape around the patients neck. To help maintain the patients skin integrity.

Knowing the importance of having routine bladder wash out for urethral catheter patients as this helps decrease the chances of cathether associated infections.