Informed Patient: Changing the Sedation Status Quo in the ICU

Summary: Prolonged sedation and paralytic therapy has negative effects on  patients. One of the negative effects is delirium which is associated with hallucinations and nightmares. This delirium leads to devastating and long lasting effects on cognitive function. Several studies have identified positive effects by attempting wean patients off of stronger medications to milder ones that provide the same benefit and getting them ambulating earlier even if its a few steps.Pros for changing sedation methods: Reduce delirium, reduces depression, reduces anxiety, and reduces muscle wasting. Cons: Risk of self injury by pulling out ET tube, tracheotomy tube, and/or, IV lines.

Agree Or Disagree? :  I agree with this article. Especially, after watching the video of the patient in the ICU’s personal account of his ordeal. I am sure in his case this wasn’t an option since his case was so severe. I feel the positive effects out weigh the possible negative outcomes.