Hospital Visit

Though policies vary from hospital to hospital, most ICUs allow you to visit someone during visiting hours. Children under the age of 14 may not be allowed because of the risk of infection and the potential for the child to be affected psychologically. Be aware that patients in the ICU may have bruising, swelling, bandages, catheters or tubes in the nose or mouth. Due to their illness or medications, patients may have trouble thinking or speaking clearly and may be disoriented, hostile or confused. While you are visiting, you may be asked to leave during certain medical procedures.

To learn more about ICUs, check out our Prepared Patient Feature, "Cutting Through ICU Confusion," here: http://www.cfah.org/hbns/preparedpatient/Vol4/Prepared-Patient-Vol4-Issue8.cfm Though policies vary from hospital to hospital, most ICUs allow you to visit someone during visiting hours. Children under the age of 14 may not be allowed because of the risk of infection and the potential for the child to be affected psychologically. Be aware that patients in the ICU may have bruising, swelling, bandages, catheters or tubes in the nose or mouth. Due to their illness or medications, patients may have trouble thinking or speaking clearly and may be disoriented, hostile or confused. While you are visiting, you may be asked to leave during certain medical procedures.

To learn more about ICUs, check out our Prepared Patient Feature, "Cutting Through ICU Confusion," here: http://www.cfah.org/hbns/preparedpatient/Vol4/Prepared-Patient-Vol4-Issue8.cfm