Men, women and children are usually clubbed together. There is a central nursing station from which all beds are visible. Bright lights are on day and night. The ICU tends to be noisy as monitors beep all the time. People are constantly dying.
Sleep is usually impossible.
Disorientation is common, not only because of illness or injury but also because of the constant din, bright illumination, hectic activity and lack of sleep. Also, because ICU patients tend to be debilitated and gravely ill, the ICU is the most dangerous place in the hospital because one can easily catch a serious infection. Each day, make it a point to ask the as to exactly why intensive care continues to be necessary. It can be scary a loved one in an ICU, with tubes and pipes coming out from all parts of the body. To help you in monitoring the usefulness of intensive care, the following can be helpful.