Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which intervention is indicated for a patient in the post-ICU setting experiencing agitation and anxiety after sedation?

1. Place the patient in a private room away from the nurses' station

2. Collaborate with the physician for a sleeping aid

3. Perform all care for the patient until symptoms decrease

4. Perform a delirium screen

The correct answer is: Perform a delirium screen

Performing a delirium screen is indicated in this scenario because agitation and anxiety in post-ICU patients can often be signs of delirium, especially after sedation. Delirium is a common complication in patients who have experienced critical illness or prolonged sedation, characterized by sudden changes in mental status, attention, and cognition. Conducting a delirium screen helps to identify any underlying cognitive disturbances or changes in mental status that may be contributing to the patient's agitation and anxiety. Early identification of delirium is crucial, as it allows healthcare providers to implement appropriate interventions promptly, which can improve patient outcomes and facilitate recovery. In contrast, isolating the patient in a private room may not address the underlying causes of agitation and can increase feelings of anxiety. Collaborating with a physician for a sleeping aid, while potentially beneficial, does not directly assess or address the potential presence of delirium. Performing all care for the patient until symptoms decrease could lead to further distress and does not promote patient participation in their own care, which is often helpful for managing anxiety. Therefore, screening for delirium is the most appropriate and evidence-based intervention in this scenario.