title: Procedural distress in critical care settings.
abstract: The diagnostic and treatment procedures experienced by critically ill patients are major sources of procedural distress. Procedural distress is defined broadly as unpleasant physical sensations and negative psychological states associated with specific diagnostic or treatment procedures. Although research in this area is limited by small sample sizes, findings suggest that mechanical ventilation is a particularly difficult procedure to experience, especially endotracheal suctioning and the weaning process. Interventions to reduce distress should focus on the preparation of patients for distress, the identification of procedural distress, and appropriate interventions for specific procedures.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Porter
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*