Protocol for Analgesia, Sedation and Neuromuscular Blockade in ICU: Need of the hour

Dr. Gaurav Acharya; Dr. Kaushal Kabir; Dr. Dewesh Kumar

Volume : III, Issue : VI, June - 2014

Protocol for Analgesia, Sedation and Neuromuscular Blockade in ICU: Need of the hour

Dr. Gaurav Acharya, Dr. Kaushal Kabir, Dr. Dewesh Kumar

Abstract :

Wide varieties of stresses are experienced by critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU) setup. This may include endotracheal tube and tracheal tube insertion, repeated suctioning, multiple needle pricks in arteries and veins, various surgical procedures like intercostal chest drain (ICD) insertion & venesection and bed sores. It has become an important part of the work of an intensivist to provide ICU care to alleviate the pain and provide comfort to the patient. Judicious use of medications such as analgesics, sedatives and neuromuscular blockers helps in providing ultimate comfort with least side effect. A thorough knowledge of basic pharmacology of these medications is required to use them judiciously. Physical and psychological comfort with light level of sedation is the basic aim of intensive care that can be provided by minimal drug usage. The following can be achieved by institutionalizing the protocols for analgesia, sedation and neuromuscular blockade in ICU.