Pain among mechanically ventilated patients in critical care units

Abstract

Background: Pain is a common experience among mechanically ventilated patients. Pain among mechanically ventilated patients is aggravated by factors such as stage of illness, invasive procedures, and surgical interventions. The aim to this study was to investigate pain levels and predictors among mechanically ventilated patients during rest and routine nursing interventions.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was used, with a total sample of 301 mechanically ventilated patients. Patients' pain levels were assessed using Behavioral Pain Scale during rest and routine nursing interventions.

Results: The mean pain score levels during rest (mean = 3.69, standard deviation [SD] = 0.81) were lower than mean pain score levels during routine nursing interventions (mean = 7.1, SD = 2.5). During rest, pain scores were significantly correlated with age (r = -0.12, P = 0.046), and heart rate (r = 0.24, P < 0.001). During nursing interventions, pain scores were significantly correlated with age (r = -0.25, P < 0.001), heart rate (r = 0.36, P < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (r = 0.21, P < 0.001). The age and past surgical history were found to be significant (age: β = -0.009, P = 0.002; past surgical history: β = -1.376, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Mechanically ventilated patients experience pain during rest as well as during routine nursing interventions. Pain levels were associated with age, heart rate, and diastolic BP. The age and past surgical history should be considered as important predictive factors.

Keywords: Critical care units; mechanically ventilated patients; pain assessment.