NUR6027 Nursing Functions

NUR6027 Nursing Functions

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Title Do patients benefit from the interruption of sedation in reducing the length of time on mechanical ventilation? Aim To research the literature to discern the efficacy of a daily hold of continuous infusion of sedation to allow an awakening and breathing trial, reducing the overall amount of time on mechanical ventilation. Background Critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients are managed with a continuous infusion of sedative agents for haemodynamic stability, comfort and to prevent anxiety, agitation and harmful events such as self extubation. This practice can hinder neurological function tests and trials to ascertain the patient’s readiness to wean. The accumulation of sedatives in the body can have harmful psychological and physiological effects. Methods A thorough search was conducted using standardised keywords of the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Medline, and Web of Science to locate 10 RCT’s involving research into the use of DIS. CASP was used to analyse the data to discern it’s validity and reliability in answering the research question. Synthesis of the data lead to theme production from which recommendations could be made based on the PARiHS framework. Review Results DIS is recommended as an intervention with definite physiological benefits. However, it is more suited to some patients than others and will improve outcomes if the patient is properly assessed and managed by autonomous nursing staff alongside the maintenance of light sedation levels