In the critically ill patient,an incomplete assessment and/or management of pain or anxiety may be hampered by which of the following?

Question

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Delirium appears in approximately 80% of patients in the intensive care unit.Delirium is characterized by changing mental status,inattention,disorganized thinking,and altered levels of consciousness.Patients in the intensive care unit may not be able to verbalize because of the presence of an artificial airway,sedative medication,neuromuscular blocking agents,or brain injury.Effective nurse-to-patient communication and assessment skills would facilitate assessment of pain and anxiety.There are tools and assessment methods to assess pain in ventilated patients.

In the Critically Ill Patient,an Incomplete Assessment And/or Management of Pain