ICU Response Paper

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The Effects of Earplugs on Quality of Sleep in the ICU The average adult does not get the recommended seven and a half to nine hours of sleep per night when healthy, much less when they are hospitalized (Smith, Robinson, & Segal, 2013). An adequate amount of sleep assists in patient recovery as well as maintaining the function of the immune system. According to Smith et al. (2013), frequent nighttime awakenings are the most common causes of sleep disruption. Adults in the intensive care unit (ICU) are critically ill and must be monitored closely. However, if patients are not getting adequate sleep, they may not achieve their optimal levels of health. The early onset of delirium, followed by confusion, is a common complication that arises…show more content…
The researchers were able to surpass the minimum number, which eliminated the chances of type II error. The study also exhibited a patient population with similar baseline characteristics. The use of the NEECHAM scale can also be considered a strength because it has been verified and proven effective. The study was also a randomized control trial, which is more informative for clinical outcomes. Weaknesses The study was conducted at one particular hospital instead of multiple medical centers. This limits the ability to apply the results to the general population. The researchers also failed to mention any medications that may have been added to a patient’s chart during the study. Another limitation was the failure to report intentional or unintentional removal of the earplugs. Some patients may find the earplugs uncomfortable and that alone could disrupt their sleep. These limitations need to be considered when evaluating the applicability of the study…show more content…
They are noninvasive, nonpharmalogical, and inexpensive. The study results showed statistical significance in the onset of mild confusion; however, the patients in both groups had similar onset of delirium. The less time a patient is in the ICU the less likely they are to develop confusion and eventually delirium. A nurse should offer earplugs to a patient to help reduce mild confusion. This is particularly useful in patients with short stays in the ICU. Nurses should still follow typical protocols and monitor patients very closely for signs of

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