Procedures in Critical Care >

The ICU Bed

"Intensive care unit (ICU) patients can develop a variety of complications related to prolonged immobilization and recumbent positioning while in the ICU, and, increasingly, obese patients present a number of specific challenges. ICU beds have a common set of capabilities, and a variety of specialty ICU beds have been developed for specific patient populations (Figure 2-1) including patients at risk for decubitus ulcers, obese patients, patients with fractures. A standard ICU bed typically has electric and manual controls, side rails, wheels and a brake, a removable headboard to allow procedures (ie, endotracheal intubation, vascular access) from the head of the bed, and intravenous (IV) pole mounts...."