ICU Toolkit

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What to expect: ICU admission for GBS patients

Why would someone with GBS be in the ICU?

While not all Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) patients require intensive care, GBS can sometimes affect the ability to breathe properly. ICU admission ensures closer monitoring and immediate medical support from a dedicated team, including:

• ICU Nurses (1:1 or 1:2 patient care ratio)
• Respiratory Therapists (RTs) to monitor breathing and ventilator support
• Intensivists (physicians specialized in ICU care)
• Physiotherapists to assist with movement
• Dietitians to manage nutrition
• Social Workers to support patients and families

What does an ICU room look like?

An ICU room is equipped with specialized medical equipment designed for round-the-clock monitoring and care. You can expect to see:

• A specialized hospital bed to help prevent bedsores
• A cardiac monitor tracking heart rate, rhythm, breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels
• IV pumps for hydration and medication
• A mechanical ventilator (if breathing support is needed)
• Though the equipment may look intimidating, each piece is there to ensure safety and comfort during the recovery process.

What to expect in the ICU environment

ICUs can be busy and noisy due to alarms from machines like cardiac monitors, IV pumps, and ventilators. These alarms help healthcare providers respond quickly when needed.

What your ICU team will do

• Nurses will assist with repositioning, bathing, feeding, and medications
• Respiratory Therapists will assess and manage breathing support
• Doctors (Intensivists) will check in daily and as needed
• It’s natural to feel anxious, but the ICU team is there to provide constant support and care.

Helpful tips for ICU stays

Bringing familiar personal items can make an ICU stay more comfortable. Ask ICU staff about what’s allowed. Some helpful items include:

• Comfort items: Pillow, blanket
• Personal care essentials: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, soap, electric razor
• Entertainment & familiar items: Photos, small radio, clock, phone or tablet