Designing nurse care for a child with extreme cardiac failure in the Intensive Care and Post-Operative Care Unit based on the International Classification of Nursing Practice (ICNP®)

Abstract Aim. The purpose of the work is to present nursing care for a pediatric patient with extreme circulatory failure, assisted by a device to Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the Intensive Care and Post-Operative Care Unit (ICPOCU) based on the International Classification of Nursing Practice (ICNP®). Material and methods. The work uses the individual case method based on the following techniques: analysis of medical records, observation and measurement of vital signs. Results. The most common and most dangerous care problem that may occur during therapy in extreme circulatory failure is the risk of cardiac dysfunction [10037314]. In this situation, the only life-saving method is often to support the circulatory and respiratory systems with the ECMO method. Another care problem is the risk of pressure sores [10027337]. The main goal of nursing care is to prevent their creation by minimizing risk factors and monitoring the patient’s skin condition. The problem of bleeding risk was also identified in the analyzed case [10017268] due to the need for heparin treatment. The goal of care is to minimize the risk and possible effects of bleeding. Because of taking care of the newborn baby, it is very important in planning activities to take into account the needs and problems of carers. One of the diagnosed problems is caregiver stress [10024773]. Conclusions. Nursing care for a pediatric patient with extreme circulatory failure supported by ECMO apparatus due to the impact of blood circulation on the functioning of the whole body does not focus solely on cardiovascular problems.