Optimal strategies for assessing and managing pain, agitation, and delirium in the critically ill surgical patient: What you need to know

Abstract

Pain, agitation, and delirium (PAD) are primary drivers of outcome in the ICU, and expertise in managing these entities successfully is crucial to the intensivist’s toolbox. Additionally, there are unique aspects of surgical patients that impact assessment and management of PAD. In this review, we address the continuous spectrum of assessment, and management of critically ill surgical patients, with a focus on limiting PAD, particularly incorporating mobility as an anchor to ICU liberation. Finally, we touch on the impact of PAD in specific populations, including opioid use disorder, traumatic brain injury, pregnancy, obesity, alcohol withdrawal, and geriatric patients. The goal of the review is to provide rapid access to information regarding PAD and tools to assess and manage these important elements of critical care of surgical patients. Study Type Regular Review