On admission, the patient (if capable) or a legally competent relative should read, understand, and sign the consent form covering procedures that may be required during ICU treatment. Our doctors and nurses will guide you through this process.
Procedures Covered by Consent
| Procedure | Purpose | Possible Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing Tube (Intubation) | Assist breathing and keep airway open | Bleeding, broken teeth, oesophageal intubation, collapsed lung, infection |
| Central Line (CVC) | Monitor venous pressure, blood sampling, administer drugs and fluids | Infection, bleeding, blood clot, lung collapse |
| Arterial Line | Monitor blood pressure and oxygen levels, draw blood for tests | Infection, bleeding, impaired circulation to the monitored limb |
| Urinary Catheter | Monitor urine output, collect urine samples | Infection, urethral trauma, bleeding |
| Feeding Tube | Provide nutrition when oral feeding is not possible | Perforation of oesophagus or stomach, infection, bleeding, skin breakdown |
| Blood Transfusion | Treat anaemia, replace blood loss, support clotting | Transfusion reaction, transmission of hepatitis or other viral illnesses, malaria |
| Haemodialysis Catheter | Renal dialysis, blood exchange or plasmapheresis | Infection, bleeding, blood clot, lung collapse |
| Lumbar Puncture | Draw spinal fluid for infection testing | Backache, headache, infection, local bleeding with haematoma |
| Bronchoscopy | Look inside the airway, collect samples for testing | Bleeding, local injury, reduced oxygen level |
| Endoscopy | Diagnose and treat digestive system problems | Bleeding, infection, local injury |
| Chest Tube | Expand collapsed lung, drain air, blood or fluid from around the lungs | Infection, bleeding, skin breakdown, perforation of abdominal organs |
| Peritoneal Drain | Drain fluid from inside the abdomen | Infection, bleeding, peritoneal injury |
| Exchange Transfusion / Plasmapheresis | Improve haemoglobin in sickle cell cases, replace circulating blood | Fever, shivering, rash, low blood pressure, chest pain, breathing difficulty, clotting problems |
Your rights: You have the right to ask questions before signing. If you do not understand any part of the consent form, please ask a member of the ICU team to explain it clearly.