SleepDeprivation.pptVIP

Benzodiazepines e.g. Diazepam increases NREM stage 1 and reduces both NREM stages 3 and 4 and REM. Morphine increases spontaneous arousals during sleep and shortens the sleep time by reducing both REM and NREM stages 3 and 4, resulting in overall lighter sleep. It is the responsibility of the critical care nurse to assess the need for sedative and analgesic medications, to administer them in the most effective manner to promote sleep, and to monitor their effectiveness NURSING’S CHALLENGE The sleep process and effects of deprivation need to be incorporated into critical care education programs and continuing education programs, and encouraged as nursing research topics. Sleep requirements need to become part of the written multidisciplinary plan of care, to allow for care and assessment of patients, but incorporating blocks of uninterrupted sleep. It needs to be discussed in shift to shift report, and may need to be discussed in Health Team Conference. Nursing activities should be organized to make sleep a priority for patients in critical care units. Nursing interventions for promoting and preparing the patient for sleep If the patient has a pulmonary artery and/or arterial line, make sure the transducer is leveled to right atrium with the patient’s head of the bed in the desired position. Leveling the transducer at the phlebostatic axis, with the patient in position for sleep, will assure that the assessment readings taken throughout the night are accurate to guide decision-making. Assess the patient and the intravenous lines for patency. The proper location of the phlebostatic axis Assess the patient for any pain or discomfort. If pain medication is required, try to give it early enough so that it takes effect before bedtime and the patient will be pain-free and more relaxed. If sleep medication is ordered, offer it only after pain is relieved, so that the hypnotic will be more effective. Offering a bedtime snack or a glass of warm milk may encourage