ANSWER TO QUIZ OF THE WEEK FOR MARCH 9, 2007

When sedation is titrated by nurses who use objective scoring tools, patients receive appropriate levels of sedation more fequently (e.g., patient's are OVER and UNDER sedated less frequently).

Over and under sedation are associated with adverse events.

Over sedation can suppress the patients ability to clear secretions and breathe spontaneously, increasing their risk for prolonged ventilation and the develoment of VAP (Ventilator Associated Pneumonia). Undersedation can lead to patient discomfort and anxiety, respiratory distress during mechanical ventilation and/or inadequate management of delirium. It is important to avoid both sedation problems.

Brenda Morgan
Clinical Nurse Specialist, CCTC
Last Update: March 5, 2007