Use of sedation and neuromuscular paralysis during mechanical ventilation

Pharmacologic therapy can be a necessary adjunct with mechanical ventilation. The treatment of pain and anxiety and the suppression of the patient's respiratory drive may be necessary to facilitate effective ventilation and oxygenation. The critical care nurse must be clear as to the expected outcomes of this therapy. In addition to the traditional drugs for sedation and analgesia, neuromuscular blocking agents may be required to improve ventilatory assistance. The patient must be continually evaluated for the appropriateness and method of dosing, adequate sedation and analgesia, and adverse effects. Patient safety is one of the primary concerns of the critical care nurse during this time.