Intensive Care Analgesia

Abstract

Pain is a major problem and primary concern of patients in the ICU. High-quality pain management and palliative therapy should be a goal for every patient. Appropriate palliation of pain begins with the use of effective strategies for recognizing, evaluating, and monitoring pain. Pain management requires knowledge of both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies. Analgesia may also have a beneficial impact on morbidity, particularly by reducing pulmonary complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia, and agitation with subsequent accidental extubation. This article focuses on assessment, monitoring and management of pain in the ICU.