Abstract
Objective: To describe the indicators used in the Intensive Care Unit, identifying the utility and application, and the obstacles. Bibliographic review: The literature corroborates and warns the use of tools for equipping nursing care based on the need to promote and facilitate the educational process among nurses, due to the assignment that belongs to them. It is noted that hospital infections advance over time, and interferences must be established. The Intensive Care Unit is responsible for most of the infections contracted. In this way, the indicators convey direction and guidance, thus enabling the multidisciplinary team to adopt preventive and reparative attitudes in patient care. Final considerations: The indicators of the Intensive Care Unit have proven to be of great applicability and use, combined with the practical assistance of health professionals, especially nurses, who within this aegis must know and orient themselves about the object (indicator) to be employed, as well as the means and results found in that investigation.