When was the last time that you changed your brand or type of contact lens? If you have been using the same brand and type of contact lenses for several years, it may be time for you to learn about the newer versions that are on the market today. You may find that there is no longer the need to struggle with putting your lenses in each day, cleaning them, and messing around with those little storage containers. Extended wear contact lenses may be an option for you like they are for me. After being told five years ago that I could not wear extended wear lenses, the design of them have changed and I now wear them for an entire week before removing them! Learn more about the various contact lenses on the market today to help yourself, find some that are perfectly comfortable and less of an inconvenience!
Whenever a loved one has been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), you and your other family members can be facing a trying time, often with more questions than answers. Although doing your own research online can educate you about some aspects of a condition or illness, these searches may also raise concerns you hadn't previously anticipated. Where can you go for detailed answers to your questions as they relate to your loved one? Read on to learn more about the role an intensivist can play in your loved one's treatment, as well as some questions you may want to ask when helping your loved one decide how (or whether) to continue treatment.
What role does an intensivist play in patient care?
An intensivist, critical care physician, or ICU physician is a doctor who has received specialized training to treat patients who are dealing with a medical emergency or other critical condition. Many hospitals require their intensivists to be board-certified in critical care specialties and internal medicine, giving them the flexibility to handle both emergency situations and ongoing patient care.
In most cases, someone admitted to the ICU has gone through the emergency department and received stabilizing care from an emergency physician. In other cases, patients may be admitted directly to the ICU after consultation with their primary care physician, who determines that a non-emergency-room situation may still require ongoing care. Depending upon a hospital's staffing needs, intensivists may help out in the emergency room or remain within the ICU only.
An intensivist will be responsible for coordinating care for an ICU patient, working with the nurses, technicians, and other professionals to maintain the patient's stable status while ultimately resolving the underlying illness, condition, or injury that has led to the need for critical care. Alternatively, intensivists can ease the transition to hospice or rehabilitative care once ICU is no longer deemed needed.
What questions may you want to ask to ensure your loved one receives the best care?
Often, someone in need of an intensivist isn't in the best physical or mental state to make important healthcare decisions alone. Meanwhile you, as a family member, spouse, or loved one, may find yourself battling your own fears about your loved one's health. It's important to think back to any prior conversations you may have had with your loved one about healthcare issues and their wishes. For example, if your loved one is a recovering opiate addict, he or she may not want narcotic pain relievers, instead opting for a different type of pain relief.
Being able to communicate the level of intervention your loved one would like, their medication choices, and other healthcare issues to the treating intensivist will ensure this physician can provide the highest possible quality of care.
You may also want to ask some questions to help you and your loved one make more empowered decisions, including:
These questions can help you, your loved one, and the intensivist form a treatment plan that can help fulfill your loved one's needs and wishes. By educating yourselves on the potential outcomes of the various treatment options, you'll be able to help your loved one exercise a comfortable level of control over his or her healthcare even during an uncertain and potentially scary time.
Share