Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What should a nurse do if a patient displays confusion and agitation following sedation?

1. Encourage increased activity

2. Monitor vital signs closely

3. Consider calling for a sedation consultation

4. Implement a non-pharmacological calming intervention

The correct answer is: Implement a non-pharmacological calming intervention

When a patient exhibits confusion and agitation following sedation, implementing non-pharmacological calming interventions is a sound approach. This method focuses on utilizing techniques that reduce anxiety and agitation without the use of additional medications. Such interventions may include creating a quiet environment, utilizing deep-breathing exercises, providing reassurance, or engaging in soothing conversations, which can help alleviate the patient's distress and promote a sense of safety. Utilizing non-pharmacological strategies is particularly beneficial because they often reduce the risk of further complications associated with sedation, such as respiratory depression or oversedation. Additionally, these methods can help the patient regain a sense of control and comfort, which is crucial in post-sedation recovery. The other options may have roles in the comprehensive care of a sedated patient, but they do not directly address the immediate need to calm the patient as effectively as a non-pharmacological approach. Monitoring vital signs is important to ensure physiological stability, and consulting for sedation management can provide specialized care options, but these actions do not engage the patient in a way that directly addresses feelings of confusion and agitation. Encouraging increased activity could also exacerbate confusion and anxiety, as it may overwhelm the patient. Thus, focusing on calming interventions is paramount in this scenario.