MD refusing to sedate pt while intubated

[LuvPedsNrsg]

I have a family member who is elderly and in septic shock. Obviously she is having BP issues and intensivist does not want to sedate her just in case her BP tanks. She appears uncomfortable, pulling her tube and line with tears in her eyes and she was in lots of pain. What can be done????

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

:eek::eek:

Family conference time.

[krisjazzer13]

I agree with the previous poster---request a family conference with your family member's healthcare team and voice your concerns asap

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Other than advising you that you might request a conference with healthcare team, we cannot give medical advice.

[meandragonbrett]

I'd be demanding to speak with the medical director of the ICU.

[Emergency RN]

Often, to non caregivers who arrive to a bedside, the scene scene before you may not be what it seems. From the above scenario, we would have to buy into the conclusion that solving her "pain" is the most important issue at hand. However, to the patient's current caregivers, there are probably many other considerations in addition (which they are privy to while we're not) that must be balanced with that of pain control; if indeed it's even a problem to begin with. A patient may be feeling absolutely no pain at all, but be simply confused and frightened by the intubation.

This is why it's so important not to seek clinical answers here for a loved one's current bedside dilemma. We know absolutely nothing other than what a writer tells us, and if the OP got it wrong, then one might wind up getting advice that is contrary to the patient's best interests, or even to their detriment. This is why this forum has rules to prevent "sideline quarterbacking" from happening.

To the OP, it's obvious that you're not satisfied with the answers given to you by her physician. If so, like any other person who feels that something is being done not in the manner that they expect, I would suggest that you first seek clarification with the clinical staff there, and if their answers still don't satisfy you, to seek out the patient representative or hospital ombudsman; every hospital should have one and they're there exactly for your type of complaint concerns.

Good luck, and I wish your loved one a speedy recovery

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Agree - family conference time NOW. I wish you and your family peace and the assurance that she is comfortable.