SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Sedation in the ICU
Mairi Mascarenhas
Clinical Educator ICU
Sedation is an induced state of reduced consciousness to
which verbal contact with the patient may be maintained.
It is used to reduce anxiety and distress, and to facilitate
compliance with invasive procedures such as mechanical
ventilation.
Before sedation is initiated, the cause of distress should be
identified – common causes in critically ill patients include
anxiety, pain, delirium, dyspnoea and neuromuscular
paralysis. These aetiologies may occur separately or in
combination.
Introduction
Pain, Agitation and Delirium (PAD) Guidelines
The PAD triad
Deep sedation should only be used when the benefits are
likely
to outweigh the risks
• Patients receiving NMBA’s.
• Acute cerebral injury: for control of intracranial pressure.
• Patients that are difficult to ventilate
• Refractory status epilepticus.
Avoid deep sedation or over sedation
• Mechanical ventilation asynchrony
• Stress response with increased myocardial
oxygen consumption
• Cardiovascular instability
• Failure to comply with treatment
• Unplanned extubation or removal of lines
and monitoring devices by the patient
Under-sedation
sedation-in-the-icujhsdgasdjasdasgdjhasgdj.ppt
Monitoring level of sedation
Touch
Voice
Observation
Sedation – goals of care
Stop sedation → lighten patient → change to PS → extubate
Sedation interruption doesn’t always mean that the patient will be
extubated – the important point is that sedation interruption has been
attempted
Avoid excess sedation
• Allows neurological function to be assessed
• Assists to reduce the need for diagnostic testing CT/MRI
• Allows sedation dose to be optimised to an ideal level
• Prevents drug accumulation
• Reduces inotrope/vasopressor requirements
• Cardiovascular instability is reduced – bradyarrhythmias
• Reduces risk of complications e.g. muscle wastage,
debility, critical illness myopathy.
• Reduces time on ventilator, risk of VAP and LOS in ICU
Benefits of sedation interruption
• Hold sedation until patient awake and then
restart at 50% of the prior dose.
• “Awake” defined as any of the following
- Opens eyes in response to voice
- Uses eyes to follow investigator on request
- Squeeze hand on request
- Stick out tongue on request
Daily sedation interruption
If there are no contra-indications
1. Stop sedation at 0800hrs or as otherwise directed by medical staff.
2. Pain control may be an issue. If patient scoring positive for pain →
maintain opioid infusion
3. Continue to hold sedation until patient obeys commands and RASS
improves e.g. -1
4. If after 1 hour the RASS doesn’t improve or remains 3 and the
≥
patient is still receiving an opioid infusion discuss with medical staff
→
regarding appropriateness for stopping opioid infusion
5. Wait a minimum of 15 minutes before changing ventilator settings
e.g. Observe for spontaneous breathing change to PS mode
→
6. If patient becomes difficult to manage i.e. RASS + 2, +3 or +4 re-sedate
patient with rescue bolus of propofol (increments of 20 to 30mg) and
inform medical staff.
Procedure for stopping sedation
Whenever sedation needs to be restarted → restart at ½ the
previous infusion rate as per protocol
Adhere to the sedation interruption protocol
• Sustained anxiety, agitation or pain.
• Respiratory rate > 35 per minute for 5 minutes.
≥
• Oxygen saturation 88% for 5 minutes.
≤ ≥
• Acute cardiac dysrhythmia.
• ≥ 2 signs of respiratory distress, including
tachycardia, bradycardia, accessory muscle use,
abdominal paradox, diaphoresis or marked
pyrexia.
Failure criteria for sedation
interruption
• Propofol
• Alpha2 agonists: dexmedetomidine
• Benzodiazepines: midazolam (infrequently used)
• Analagesics i.e. opioid infusions are often
combined
Treat
Sedatives used in ICU
• IV anaesthetic
• Frequently used on ICU and given as an infusion
• Insoluble in water and prepared in a lipid
emulsion, calorie content 1 calorie per ml
• Available in 1% and 2% preparations
• Rapid onset of action i.e. 30 seconds
• Single dose will last 5 to 10 minutes
• No change in pharmacokinetics with hepatic or
renal dysfunction
Propofol
Treat
• Respiratory depression
• Suppression of laryngeal reflexes – caution is
required in patients with unprotected airways.
• Cardiovascular depression
• Inotropic/vasopressor support often necessary
• Hypertriglyceridaemia
• No analgesic properties
• Pain if given peripherally
Adverse effects of propofol
Treat
• Benzodiazepine
• Produces sedation, amnesia, muscle relaxation and
has anti-epileptic effects
• Rapid onset of action i.e. 30 secs to 2 minutes
• Minimal accumulation occurs with infusions <24hrs
but can occur thereafter
• Metabolism can be affected by hepatic function/blood
flow and other drugs – wide variability in half-life
• Not frequently used but may have a role in alcohol
and drug withdrawal.
Treat
Midazolam
• Hypotension
• Delirium
• Accumulation when given by IV infusion
especially > 24hrs
• Slow to wear off
• Liver and renal impairment can prolong
sedative effect
• No analgesic properties
Adverse effects of midazolam
Treat
• Alpha-2 agonists
• CNS actions include sedation, anxiolysis and analgesia but
without reduced respiratory depression “awake sedation”
• Dexmedetmodine has a higher affinity to alpha-2 receptor than
clonidine making its sedative effects more prominent
• Dexmedetomidine only licensed for patients requiring RASS no
deeper than -3
• Sedation is unique – patients can be roused more readily. Can
extubate patient without stopping sedation. Doesn’t produce
delirium.
• Dexmedetomidine decreases ventilation compared to midazolam
(but not to propofol)
Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine
Treat
• Bradycardia most common
• Hypotension
• Rebound hypertension on abrupt withdrawal
• Dose reduction may be needed in elderly/frail and
hepatic impairment
• Expensive – Consultant only
• Contraindications - advanced heart block unless paced,
uncontrolled hypotension, acute cerebrovascular
conditions
Adverse effects of Dexmedetomidine
Treat
Dexmedetomidine infusion table
Titrate infusion up or down every 10 minutes as per BP/HR
response
Infusion table: dexmedetomidine 8 micrograms/ml
Dexmedetomidine
Treat
• Patient aged 50 years
• Weighs 80kg
• Starting dose is 7mls/hr
• Titrate dose up every 10 minutes where possible to
maximum dose i.e. 14mls/hr provided BP and HR are
stable
• The propofol infusion needs to be titrated ↓ and suggest
doing this every 10 minutes

More Related Content

PPT
Conscious sedation
PPT
Sedation analgesia in icu
PPTX
Status Epilepticus.pptx
PPT
Sedation & Paralysis in ICU- DR.RAGHUNATH ALADAKATTI
PPTX
Anti epileptic drugs
PPTX
Status epilepticus and febrile convulsions
PPT
Conscious sedation.ppt
PPTX
Pharmacotherapeutics of anesthesia ppt
Conscious sedation
Sedation analgesia in icu
Status Epilepticus.pptx
Sedation & Paralysis in ICU- DR.RAGHUNATH ALADAKATTI
Anti epileptic drugs
Status epilepticus and febrile convulsions
Conscious sedation.ppt
Pharmacotherapeutics of anesthesia ppt

Similar to sedation-in-the-icujhsdgasdjasdasgdjhasgdj.ppt (20)

PPTX
Sedation in Icu ppt type of drugs used in sedation .pptx
PPTX
Pharmacology of General anaesthetic drugs.
PPTX
Sedation and analgesia in picu
PPTX
Opoid Anagestics Presentation PPtss.pptx
PPTX
General anesthesia and its complications
PPTX
Presentation on Emergency Medications.
PPTX
Sedation in icu
PPTX
Diazepam
PPTX
HYPERTENSION UG CLASS.1.pptx
PPT
Malik sedation
PPTX
ANTIPSYCHOTIC Drugs in pharmacology major
PPTX
TDM Antiepileptic Tan.pptx
PPT
Drugs affecting Cardiovascular system
PPTX
1. Status Epilepticus-Nutshell.pptx
PPTX
GA & SMR
PPTX
Parasympatholytics/ Anticholinergic/ Muscarinic blockers/ Atropine
PDF
Post anaesthesia discharge criteria and complications
PPTX
Dexmedetomidine
PPTX
Concious sedation ppt nat
PPTX
propofol.pptx
Sedation in Icu ppt type of drugs used in sedation .pptx
Pharmacology of General anaesthetic drugs.
Sedation and analgesia in picu
Opoid Anagestics Presentation PPtss.pptx
General anesthesia and its complications
Presentation on Emergency Medications.
Sedation in icu
Diazepam
HYPERTENSION UG CLASS.1.pptx
Malik sedation
ANTIPSYCHOTIC Drugs in pharmacology major
TDM Antiepileptic Tan.pptx
Drugs affecting Cardiovascular system
1. Status Epilepticus-Nutshell.pptx
GA & SMR
Parasympatholytics/ Anticholinergic/ Muscarinic blockers/ Atropine
Post anaesthesia discharge criteria and complications
Dexmedetomidine
Concious sedation ppt nat
propofol.pptx
Ad

More from mousaderhem1 (20)

PPT
chapter13333333333333333333333333333333.ppt
PPTX
Thursday-II-ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffC.pptx
PPTX
AGREE-Summary-Datffffffffffffffffffffffffa.pptx
PPT
_AJ_spinal_cord2222222222222222222_2.ppt
PPT
AIGeneralSession1DrCarrollyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.ppt
PPT
2022 Roles and responsibilites of Nursing Organizations.ppt
PPT
NRS101Session2LegalIssuesinNursingPracticeWI.ppt
PPTX
Sample Presentationyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.pptx
PPTX
unit-iiinonparametrictestsbsrm-221019091259-e57b4925.pptx
PPT
reliability-and-validity-in-psychological-research.ppt
PPT
4 - Thomas Ozorowskihhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.ppt
PPT
carcinoma_cervix2222222222222222222222222222222.ppt
PPT
L02_--_Basic_Research_and_Experimental_Methods(1).ppt
PPT
Ethics Primekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkr 4-17.ppt
PPT
62071-Cultural-Competence-for-Clinicians-Session-A.ppt
PPTX
psmgffgggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg.pptx
PPTX
6c_llerasmuneyddddddddddddddddddddd.pptx
PPT
discussion4(2)jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj.ppt
PPT
Behavioural-theories-powerpoikkkkkkkkkkkknt.ppt
PPT
Operant_Conditioning_Slide(oooooooooooooo1).ppt
chapter13333333333333333333333333333333.ppt
Thursday-II-ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffC.pptx
AGREE-Summary-Datffffffffffffffffffffffffa.pptx
_AJ_spinal_cord2222222222222222222_2.ppt
AIGeneralSession1DrCarrollyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.ppt
2022 Roles and responsibilites of Nursing Organizations.ppt
NRS101Session2LegalIssuesinNursingPracticeWI.ppt
Sample Presentationyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.pptx
unit-iiinonparametrictestsbsrm-221019091259-e57b4925.pptx
reliability-and-validity-in-psychological-research.ppt
4 - Thomas Ozorowskihhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.ppt
carcinoma_cervix2222222222222222222222222222222.ppt
L02_--_Basic_Research_and_Experimental_Methods(1).ppt
Ethics Primekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkr 4-17.ppt
62071-Cultural-Competence-for-Clinicians-Session-A.ppt
psmgffgggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg.pptx
6c_llerasmuneyddddddddddddddddddddd.pptx
discussion4(2)jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj.ppt
Behavioural-theories-powerpoikkkkkkkkkkkknt.ppt
Operant_Conditioning_Slide(oooooooooooooo1).ppt
Ad

Recently uploaded (20)

PPTX
JUVENILE NASOPHARYNGEAL ANGIOFIBROMA.pptx
PDF
Deadly Stampede at Yaounde’s Olembe Stadium Forensic.pdf
PPTX
Respiratory drugs, drugs acting on the respi system
PPT
Management of Acute Kidney Injury at LAUTECH
PPTX
15.MENINGITIS AND ENCEPHALITIS-elias.pptx
PPTX
Slider: TOC sampling methods for cleaning validation
DOCX
RUHS II MBBS Microbiology Paper-II with Answer Key | 6th August 2025 (New Sch...
PPT
genitourinary-cancers_1.ppt Nursing care of clients with GU cancer
DOC
Adobe Premiere Pro CC Crack With Serial Key Full Free Download 2025
PPTX
Fundamentals of human energy transfer .pptx
PDF
Therapeutic Potential of Citrus Flavonoids in Metabolic Inflammation and Ins...
PPTX
Gastroschisis- Clinical Overview 18112311
PPTX
Uterus anatomy embryology, and clinical aspects
PPTX
Electromyography (EMG) in Physiotherapy: Principles, Procedure & Clinical App...
PPTX
post stroke aphasia rehabilitation physician
PPT
Copy-Histopathology Practical by CMDA ESUTH CHAPTER(0) - Copy.ppt
PDF
Intl J Gynecology Obste - 2021 - Melamed - FIGO International Federation o...
PPTX
Imaging of parasitic D. Case Discussions.pptx
PPTX
DENTAL CARIES FOR DENTISTRY STUDENT.pptx
PPTX
surgery guide for USMLE step 2-part 1.pptx
JUVENILE NASOPHARYNGEAL ANGIOFIBROMA.pptx
Deadly Stampede at Yaounde’s Olembe Stadium Forensic.pdf
Respiratory drugs, drugs acting on the respi system
Management of Acute Kidney Injury at LAUTECH
15.MENINGITIS AND ENCEPHALITIS-elias.pptx
Slider: TOC sampling methods for cleaning validation
RUHS II MBBS Microbiology Paper-II with Answer Key | 6th August 2025 (New Sch...
genitourinary-cancers_1.ppt Nursing care of clients with GU cancer
Adobe Premiere Pro CC Crack With Serial Key Full Free Download 2025
Fundamentals of human energy transfer .pptx
Therapeutic Potential of Citrus Flavonoids in Metabolic Inflammation and Ins...
Gastroschisis- Clinical Overview 18112311
Uterus anatomy embryology, and clinical aspects
Electromyography (EMG) in Physiotherapy: Principles, Procedure & Clinical App...
post stroke aphasia rehabilitation physician
Copy-Histopathology Practical by CMDA ESUTH CHAPTER(0) - Copy.ppt
Intl J Gynecology Obste - 2021 - Melamed - FIGO International Federation o...
Imaging of parasitic D. Case Discussions.pptx
DENTAL CARIES FOR DENTISTRY STUDENT.pptx
surgery guide for USMLE step 2-part 1.pptx

sedation-in-the-icujhsdgasdjasdasgdjhasgdj.ppt

  • 1. Sedation in the ICU Mairi Mascarenhas Clinical Educator ICU
  • 2. Sedation is an induced state of reduced consciousness to which verbal contact with the patient may be maintained. It is used to reduce anxiety and distress, and to facilitate compliance with invasive procedures such as mechanical ventilation. Before sedation is initiated, the cause of distress should be identified – common causes in critically ill patients include anxiety, pain, delirium, dyspnoea and neuromuscular paralysis. These aetiologies may occur separately or in combination. Introduction
  • 3. Pain, Agitation and Delirium (PAD) Guidelines
  • 5. Deep sedation should only be used when the benefits are likely to outweigh the risks • Patients receiving NMBA’s. • Acute cerebral injury: for control of intracranial pressure. • Patients that are difficult to ventilate • Refractory status epilepticus. Avoid deep sedation or over sedation
  • 6. • Mechanical ventilation asynchrony • Stress response with increased myocardial oxygen consumption • Cardiovascular instability • Failure to comply with treatment • Unplanned extubation or removal of lines and monitoring devices by the patient Under-sedation
  • 8. Monitoring level of sedation Touch Voice Observation
  • 9. Sedation – goals of care Stop sedation → lighten patient → change to PS → extubate Sedation interruption doesn’t always mean that the patient will be extubated – the important point is that sedation interruption has been attempted
  • 10. Avoid excess sedation • Allows neurological function to be assessed • Assists to reduce the need for diagnostic testing CT/MRI • Allows sedation dose to be optimised to an ideal level • Prevents drug accumulation • Reduces inotrope/vasopressor requirements • Cardiovascular instability is reduced – bradyarrhythmias • Reduces risk of complications e.g. muscle wastage, debility, critical illness myopathy. • Reduces time on ventilator, risk of VAP and LOS in ICU Benefits of sedation interruption
  • 11. • Hold sedation until patient awake and then restart at 50% of the prior dose. • “Awake” defined as any of the following - Opens eyes in response to voice - Uses eyes to follow investigator on request - Squeeze hand on request - Stick out tongue on request Daily sedation interruption
  • 12. If there are no contra-indications 1. Stop sedation at 0800hrs or as otherwise directed by medical staff. 2. Pain control may be an issue. If patient scoring positive for pain → maintain opioid infusion 3. Continue to hold sedation until patient obeys commands and RASS improves e.g. -1 4. If after 1 hour the RASS doesn’t improve or remains 3 and the ≥ patient is still receiving an opioid infusion discuss with medical staff → regarding appropriateness for stopping opioid infusion 5. Wait a minimum of 15 minutes before changing ventilator settings e.g. Observe for spontaneous breathing change to PS mode → 6. If patient becomes difficult to manage i.e. RASS + 2, +3 or +4 re-sedate patient with rescue bolus of propofol (increments of 20 to 30mg) and inform medical staff. Procedure for stopping sedation
  • 13. Whenever sedation needs to be restarted → restart at ½ the previous infusion rate as per protocol Adhere to the sedation interruption protocol
  • 14. • Sustained anxiety, agitation or pain. • Respiratory rate > 35 per minute for 5 minutes. ≥ • Oxygen saturation 88% for 5 minutes. ≤ ≥ • Acute cardiac dysrhythmia. • ≥ 2 signs of respiratory distress, including tachycardia, bradycardia, accessory muscle use, abdominal paradox, diaphoresis or marked pyrexia. Failure criteria for sedation interruption
  • 15. • Propofol • Alpha2 agonists: dexmedetomidine • Benzodiazepines: midazolam (infrequently used) • Analagesics i.e. opioid infusions are often combined Treat Sedatives used in ICU
  • 16. • IV anaesthetic • Frequently used on ICU and given as an infusion • Insoluble in water and prepared in a lipid emulsion, calorie content 1 calorie per ml • Available in 1% and 2% preparations • Rapid onset of action i.e. 30 seconds • Single dose will last 5 to 10 minutes • No change in pharmacokinetics with hepatic or renal dysfunction Propofol Treat
  • 17. • Respiratory depression • Suppression of laryngeal reflexes – caution is required in patients with unprotected airways. • Cardiovascular depression • Inotropic/vasopressor support often necessary • Hypertriglyceridaemia • No analgesic properties • Pain if given peripherally Adverse effects of propofol Treat
  • 18. • Benzodiazepine • Produces sedation, amnesia, muscle relaxation and has anti-epileptic effects • Rapid onset of action i.e. 30 secs to 2 minutes • Minimal accumulation occurs with infusions <24hrs but can occur thereafter • Metabolism can be affected by hepatic function/blood flow and other drugs – wide variability in half-life • Not frequently used but may have a role in alcohol and drug withdrawal. Treat Midazolam
  • 19. • Hypotension • Delirium • Accumulation when given by IV infusion especially > 24hrs • Slow to wear off • Liver and renal impairment can prolong sedative effect • No analgesic properties Adverse effects of midazolam Treat
  • 20. • Alpha-2 agonists • CNS actions include sedation, anxiolysis and analgesia but without reduced respiratory depression “awake sedation” • Dexmedetmodine has a higher affinity to alpha-2 receptor than clonidine making its sedative effects more prominent • Dexmedetomidine only licensed for patients requiring RASS no deeper than -3 • Sedation is unique – patients can be roused more readily. Can extubate patient without stopping sedation. Doesn’t produce delirium. • Dexmedetomidine decreases ventilation compared to midazolam (but not to propofol) Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine Treat
  • 21. • Bradycardia most common • Hypotension • Rebound hypertension on abrupt withdrawal • Dose reduction may be needed in elderly/frail and hepatic impairment • Expensive – Consultant only • Contraindications - advanced heart block unless paced, uncontrolled hypotension, acute cerebrovascular conditions Adverse effects of Dexmedetomidine Treat
  • 22. Dexmedetomidine infusion table Titrate infusion up or down every 10 minutes as per BP/HR response Infusion table: dexmedetomidine 8 micrograms/ml
  • 23. Dexmedetomidine Treat • Patient aged 50 years • Weighs 80kg • Starting dose is 7mls/hr • Titrate dose up every 10 minutes where possible to maximum dose i.e. 14mls/hr provided BP and HR are stable • The propofol infusion needs to be titrated ↓ and suggest doing this every 10 minutes

Editor's Notes

  • #4: Pain agitation and delirium are interrelated and add another layer of complexity when providing care to mechanically ventilated patients