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The pancreas is a long, fish-shaped organ that sits behind the stomach on the left side of the body. It secretes a number of different substances needed to digest many different kinds of food into the small bowel. The pancreas also makes insulin and releases it into the bloodstream as needed. All...

The gallbladder is a small sac that stores bile made by the liver. Bile is needed to digest fat. The gallbladder releases bile into the bowel as needed.

It is very helpful for the ICU care team to have a patient’s family choose a family spokesperson. This spokesperson will be the bridge between the Medical-Surgical ICU and the family for sharing information and setting up family meetings. The immediate family is welcome to be part of family meetings...

Supports that may be used to help your loved one The systems of the body are all interconnected. Critical care involves a concern for all aspects of a person. The list below will help you begin to understand what each body system does and what problems may arise. Each section also explains some of...

Any issues with the brain, spine, or nerves can cause a number of problems. The nervous system is complex, and not all damage is reversible. Here are some difficulties with the brain, spine, and nerves that are seen in the MSICU: Fever Seizures Cerebral Edema Hematomas Hydrocephalus Hemorrhages...

Rehabilitation involves building up the body’s strength, re-learning necessary skills, and adjusting to changes in function as a result of illness or injury. It can be a long process, so it is best to have a plan. Physiotherapists are integral to the development of this plan while patients are in...

The patient in the MSICU can benefit from the visiting of their loved ones and close family members. However, the patient also needs time to rest and heal. The bedside nurse will make an effort to coordinate visiting of family with timing of other procedures and tests, so that the patient can have...

The skin is the largest body organ. It is essential to managing the body's water and temperature through sweating and evaporation. The skin is also the first line of defence against infection. The health of the skin becomes a concern when a person is not able to move around or change their position...

The kidneys are located deep on either side of the middle part of the back, tucked up half way under the rib cage. They filter the blood all the time, going through about 180 L per day. The kidneys remove waste from the blood and concentrate it as urine. The working parts of the kidneys are called...

Evacuation Spinal Precautions ICP drain Restraints Cerebral shunt Cerebral angioplasty Evacuation Evacuation is the draining of blood or fluid from around the brain to relieve pressure. This therapy is used if the pressure from the fluid is affecting brain function. ICP drain An intracranial...