Analgesia and sedation

Abstract

Providing the critically ill patient with sedatives to minimize anxiety and recollection of unpleasant events and providing adequate analgesia is an integral function of the critical care team. However, there is a fine balance between providing comfort and causing over-sedation with the possibility of adverse outcomes in both scenarios. Treating pain, anxiety, and delirium are all priorities of utmost importance. © 2010 Springer-Verlag US.