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STUDENT PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
The evaluation will take place at the end of each semester in the form of written examinations. It will include a broad range of open-ended questions and multiple-choice questions. It is also possible to assign optional tasks (essays) during the semester that will be considered in the final grade. The evaluation criteria of the written essays are:
- Undertaking a literature review.
- Understanding the subject under investigation.
- Evaluation and synthesis of relevant data.
- Critical analysis.
- Topic exploration.
- Writing style.
- Referencing style.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The aim of the course is for the student a) to get acquainted with intensive care and support of vital functions, b) to accurately assess the condition of critically ill patients, c) to critically evaluate the hemodynamically unstable patient and to intervene for the provision of optimal care and d) to provide holistic care to critically ill patients.
Upon completion of the unit, students will be able to:
- Recognize ICU as a distinct entity that provides intensive care to critically ill patients.
- Understand the changes in the pathophysiology of mechanically ventilated patients.
- To accurately evaluate/assess the respiratory and cardiovascular condition, and function of the critically ill patients [physical assessment, auscultation, x-rays].
- Κnow and evaluate the principles and methods of implementation of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
- Be able to identify, clarify and evaluate the type of mechanical support required depending on the patient’s condition.
- Use hemodynamic monitoring and its findings to optimize care.
- Distinguish the electrocardiogram changes, their significance and act according to their severity.
- Manage patients with neurological problems.
- Provide efficient care to burn patients.
- Recognize the importance of diligent clinical evaluation of the trauma patient.
- Focus on restoring the injured person’s vital functions.
- Be familiar with international trauma assessment systems.
- Implement an adequate care plan on a case-by-case basis.
- Realize that prompt and timely treatment of injuries prevents complications.
- Understand the physiology of the kidneys and the causes that lead to acute renal failure.
- Identify those patients who are at risk for developing acute renal failure.
- Apply the appropriate interventions for the restoration of renal function.
- Provide adequate nutrition and hydration to critically ill patients.
- Evaluate liver function and how it is affected by esophageal disease and acute poisoning.
- Manage patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Recognize the symptoms of increased intracranial pressure and choose methods to reduce it.
- Recognize the role of other health professionals involved in critically ill patients’ management.
- Identify, apply and disseminate research findings related to specialized nursing practice.
- Act independently and professionally in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Demonstrate critical analysis skills when reviewing clinical and research literature.
- Demonstrate skill in physically and psychologically caring for patients and their relatives in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
GENERAL COMPETENCES
- Adapting to new situations
- Decision-making
- Working independently
- Team work
- Working in an international environment
- Working in an interdisciplinary environment
Course Outline
SYLLABUS
Theoretical part
- Introduction to Intensive Care and ICU: structure and organization, international guidelines.
- The seriously ill in the ICU / HDU. Early warning tools for the seriously ill patient in the ward and delivery/admission to the ICU.
- Pathophysiology of systems in a critically ill patient.
- Airway management and oxygen therapy in the ICU.
- Patient intubation.
- Mechanical breathing support: Invasive and non-invasive, ventilation models, mechanical weaning complications.
- Mechanical respiratory support – Care and management of patients with endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy.
- Bronchial suctions. Care protocols, ventilation care bundles, guidelines.
- Hemodynamic control and monitoring in the ICU.
- Nursing assessment of a patient in the ICU according to ABCDE system – airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure, neurological, and other systems.
- Respiratory disorders in the ICU (Shortness of breath, type I & II respiratory failure, severe asthma attack, COPD, pneumonia, pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, hemothorax, pulmonary embolism, adult respiratory distress syndrome A.R.D.S).
- Cardiovascular disorders in the ICU.
- Nursing care of patients after heart surgery.
- Cardiac arrest.
- Advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation algorithms.
- Neurological disorders in the ICU (craniocerebral injury, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, cerebral aneurysm, subarachnoid hemorrhage, epileptic seizure, stroke, meningitis).
- Multiple systemic trauma in the ICU (severe trauma, chest trauma, near-drowning, acute spinal cord injury, burns)
- The multi-injured patient.
- The treatment of burns.
- Endocrine and gastrointestinal disorders (diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetes mellitus, liver failure, acute pancreatitis)
- Acute renal failure.
- Acute liver failure.
- Systemic disorders (Shock, SIRS, sepsis and septic shock, multiorgan dysfunction syndrome [MODS], acid-base imbalance disorders, fluid and electrolyte disturbances).
- Intensive care and transplantation.
- Pain management.
- Use of pumps and safe administration of drugs.
- Diagnostic examinations in ICU patients.
- Suppression – Analgesia – Muscle relaxation in the ICU.
- Supporting the nutrition of the seriously ill.
- Methods of effective communication and crisis management.
- Respiratory physiotherapy.
- Patient mobilization.
- The Nurse contribution to the prevention of infections.
- Ethical issues.
- Death management.
Laboratory part
- It includes students’ training in virtual laboratories and clinical training of students in ICUs of University Hospitals or NHS Hospitals.