SEDATIVEANDANALGESIC MEDICAtions are routinely administered to mechanically ventilated patients to reduce pain and anxiety and to allow patients to tolerate invasive procedures in the intensive care unit (ICU).1 Unfortunately,thesemedications mayincreasemechanicalventilationtime andICUlengthof stay2andpotentiatethe risk of developing acute brain dysfunction, ie,deliriumandcoma.3-6Becausedelirium is an independent risk factor for prolonged length of stay, greater neuropsychologicaldysfunction,andincreased mortality,7-10 efforts must bemadeto reducethismanifestationoforgandysfunction within the context of providing adequate sedation for patients. |