title: Management of agitation in the intensive care unit.
abstract: Although the effective evaluation and management of agitated patients often receives less attention than other aspects of critical illness, it is among the most important and rewarding challenges that face critical care physicians. Key features of effective management include a thorough, organized search for potentially dangerous and correctable causes; a sound understanding of the pharmacology of analgesics and sedatives; and keeping a steady eye on appropriate management goals. In turn, the reward for excellent care will be shorter lengths of stay, more rapid liberation from mechanical ventilation, improved cognition, cost savings, and, perhaps, improved survival.
authors.affiliation: Pulmonary and Critical Care Section, Yale University School of Medicine, Medical Intensive Care Unit, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA. mark.siegel@yale.edu
authors.forename: Mark D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Siegel
mesh_terms: D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003422:Critical Care; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy; D003693:Delirium / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D015742:Propofol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D015742:Propofol