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This Wikipedia page provides a detailed overview of ICUs, including their purpose, organization, and key components. The summary begins by explaining that ICUs are designed to provide treatment and monitoring for patients with life-threatening conditions or those requiring constant medical attention. It discusses the wide range of patients who may be admitted to an ICU, including those with severe injuries, organ failure, or serious infections. The page describes the various medical professionals and equipment typically found in ICUs. It explains that a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists, work together to provide round-the-clock care to patients. Additionally, the page lists the specialized equipment found in ICUs, such as mechanical ventilators, dialysis machines, and cardiac monitors, which are vital for supporting critically ill patients. Furthermore, the page outlines the physical layout and organization of ICUs. It distinguishes between closed and open ICUs, where closed ICUs are led by intensivists (specialist doctors in critical care medicine) and open ICUs involve primary care physicians in patient management. It also mentions the specific types of ICUs, such as neonatal ICUs for newborns or pediatric ICUs for children. The page further delves into the specific activities and procedures carried out in ICUs. It discusses interventions like intubation, resuscitation, and hemodynamic monitoring, as well as the administration of medications and nutrition. It also emphasizes the importance of infection control measures, due to the high susceptibility of ICU patients to infections. Moreover, the page addresses the ethical aspects of ICU care, such as end-of-life decisions and the use of advanced directives. It also briefly mentions the psychological impact on patients and their families during their stay in the ICU. Overall, the Wikipedia page on intensive care units provides a comprehensive overview of these specialized hospital departments, covering their purpose, organization, key components, medical interventions, as well as ethical considerations.