ICU Topics > What to Ask the Nurse?
What to Ask the Nurse?
Before entering the room, checking in with the bedside nurse is one of the most important steps you can take. The nurse knows the patient's overnight course, current stability, and upcoming plan — information that may not yet be reflected in the chart. Use the questions below as a guide, adapting based on the clinical context and the nurse's availability. Every interaction will be patient- and nurse-specific.
Broad
- Can I work with the patient today?
- Are there any barriers to therapy?
- What was discussed or decided in rounds?
- Are there any updates to mobility or activity orders?
- What is the patient's plan for the day? Any upcoming tests or procedures?
- How did the patient do overnight? How have they been so far today?
- What is the current medical plan?
Isolation Precautions
- What isolation precautions are in place (contact, droplet, airborne, protective)?
- What PPE do I need before entering?
- Are there any specific precautions for family members or staff?
Vitals & Hemodynamics
- Are the vitals stable?
- Have there been any changes to medications or the plan of care?
- How has the patient been tolerating the vent? Are vent settings stable? Any plan to wean or go for trach?
- Are there any vasopressors running? How tight are the BP parameters?
ICP / EVD / Other Drains
- What is going on with the EVD or lumbar drain? Are they tolerating clamping trials?
- Are there any ICP concerns? How has it been trending? Has the patient required Mannitol or surgical management?
- What drains are present? Can they be clamped or managed safely for therapy?
Pain & Comfort
- How has the patient's pain been? Are they currently comfortable?
- When was the last dose of pain medication? Is there a PRN available if needed during therapy?
- Are there any positioning restrictions related to pain or wound management?
Goals of Care
- Is there an active goals-of-care discussion or a change in code status anticipated?
- Has a family meeting been scheduled? Is the patient or family aware of the prognosis?
- Is there anything about the plan of care I should know before working with the patient today?
Therapy-Related Questions
- What do you think the patient will be able to participate in today?
- Do you have any concerns about the patient participating in therapy?
- What should the patient avoid doing?
- What is the patient's level of sedation? Can it be weaned for therapy? (Propofol has a short half-life and can generally be paused.)
- How has agitation been? (Affects cooperation and safety.)
- Is there a good time to come back, or is now okay?
Questions to Garner Support
- What do you need from me?
- Is there anything I can help you with while I'm working with the patient?
- e.g., changing bed linens during a standing attempt, collecting a urine sample during a toileting task
- Can I let you know my plans for the session before I get started?
Sometimes just explaining your plans — or reminding the nurse of OT's role — is as important as any specific question.