ICU Sedation & Analgesia

ICU · ICU · 10–20 min

Analgesia-first sedation titration in the mechanically ventilated patient using validated scales.

Indications

  • • Ventilated ICU patient
  • • Procedural distress

Equipment

  • • Fentanyl / morphine infusion
  • • Propofol / midazolam / dexmedetomidine
  • • RASS & CPOT charts

Positioning

  • • As appropriate for the procedure and patient comfort.

Consent

  • • Explain indication, benefits, alternatives
  • • Explain risks & complications
  • • Obtain written/verbal consent as per SOP
  • • Document consent

Universal precautions

  • • Hand hygiene
  • • PPE — gloves, mask, eye protection
  • • Aseptic technique
  • • Sharps safety
  • • Verify patient identity & site

Step-by-step (0/5)

Tap to complete

CPOT for pain; RASS for sedation goal typically 0 to -2.

Immediate complications

  • ⚠ Hypotension
  • ⚠ Over-sedation

Delayed complications

  • • Propofol infusion syndrome
  • • Delirium
  • • Withdrawal

Recognition

  • • Deep sedation
  • • Metabolic acidosis

Initial management

  • • Reduce/stop infusion

Prevention

  • • Daily breaks
  • • Analgesia first

Post-procedure observation

  • • Vitals q15min × 1h then hourly

Monitoring

  • • Site inspection
  • • Symptom review

Documentation

  • • Procedure note
  • • Consent
  • • Findings

Patient instructions

  • • Report pain, bleeding, fever, worsening symptoms

Related in WardRound

Educational bedside guide. Perform only under supervision until competent. Follow local SOPs and consent policy.

WardRound

WardRound

Clinical Decisions in Seconds