Assess Prevent and Manage Pain
What is the recommended tool for assessing pain in non-verbal ICU patients?
Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) or Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT)
What does SAT stand for in ICU care?
Spontaneous Awakening Trial
Which sedative is preferred for short-term sedation in ICU patients?
Propofol or dexmedetomidine for short-term sedation
What does CAM-ICU assess?
Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU)
What is the primary benefit of early mobility in ICU patients?
Improves functional outcomes, reduces ICU-acquired weakness
Name one non-pharmacologic intervention for pain management.
Examples: repositioning, massage, music therapy, relaxation techniques
What is the primary goal of a spontaneous breathing trial?
To assess readiness for extubation and reduce ventilator days
Why is light sedation recommended over deep sedation?
Light sedation improves outcomes, reduces delirium, and shortens ICU stay
Name two risk factors for ICU delirium.
Risk factors: advanced age, benzodiazepine use, sepsis, prolonged ventilation
Risk factors: advanced age, benzodiazepine use, sepsis, prolonged ventilation
Name one barrier to implementing early mobility.
Barriers: hemodynamic instability, staffing limitations, sedation depth
Why is routine pain assessment critical in ICU patients?
Routine assessment ensures timely intervention, reduces complications, and improves outcomes
Name one contraindication for performing a SAT.
Contraindications: active seizures, ongoing neuromuscular blockade, unstable ICP, severe hypoxemia
Name one validated tool for monitoring sedation depth.
Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) or Sedation-Agitation Scale (SAS)
What is the recommended frequency for delirium screening?
At least once per shift or every 8–12 hours
What team members are essential for safe mobilization?
Nurses, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, and physicians
Which scale is commonly used for pain assessment in intubated patients?
CPOT or BPS are commonly used for intubated patients
How often should SAT/SBT be considered in mechanically ventilated patients?
Daily, unless contraindicated
What is the impact of benzodiazepines on delirium risk?
Benzodiazepines increase delirium risk and prolong ventilation
Which medication class should be minimized to reduce delirium risk?
Minimize benzodiazepines and anticholinergic drugs
How does early mobility affect ventilator days?
Early mobility shortens ventilator days and ICU length of stay
Describe the link between untreated pain and delirium risk.
Untreated pain increases stress response, risk of delirium, and prolonged ICU stay
Explain the relationship between SAT/SBT and VAP
SAT/SBT reduce sedation exposure and VAP risk
Describe the role of multimodal analgesia in ICU care.
Combines opioids, non-opioid analgesics, and non-pharmacologic strategies for better pain control
Explain the impact of delirium on long-term cognitive outcomes.
Delirium can lead to long-term cognitive impairment and increased mortality
Describe one strategy to overcome mobility barriers in the ICU.
Strategies: daily mobility goals, interdisciplinary rounds, sedation minimization