Case report, case study
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.9.1.9
Role of nurses in inhalation sedation in the intensive care unit: A case report
Helena Majstorovic
; University Hospital Centre Split, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Internal Intensive Care Medicine
Lena Markovic
; University Hospital Centre Split, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Internal Intensive Care Medicine
Leo Miolin
orcid.org/0009-0008-7292-3695
; University Hospital Centre Split, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Internal Intensive Care Medicine
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Background: In contemporary critical care practice sedation
is predominantly maintained with intravenous agents, most
notably propofol, benzodiazepines, and dexmedetomidine.
More recently, inhalational sedation using volatile anesthetics
such as sevoflurane and isoflurane has been increasingly
utilized. The advantages of this approach include precise
control of drug delivery and elimination, better regulation of
sedation depth, faster awakening, and a lower risk of drug
accumulation.
Methods: Data were collected at the Department of Internal
Medicine, University Hospital Centre Split, from the hospital
information system and through clinical patient monitoring,
with informed consent and approval from the Ethics Committee.
A case of a 65-year-old patient admitted due to theophylline
intoxication, respiratory failure, and severe metabolic acidosis
is presented, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation.
During treatment, vital signs, laboratory parameters, and
depth of sedation were monitored. Results: During treatment, stable hemodynamic, adequate
sedation depth, and rapid recovery of consciousness following
discontinuation of sedation were achieved. Early extubation
was successfully performed, with no signs of neurological
or renal complications. These findings are consistent with
available literature confirming the safety and efficacy of
short-term inhalational sedation.
Conclusions: Inhalational sedation with sevoflurane represents
an effective and safe therapeutic option in intensive care units,
particularly for patients with complex comorbidities, offering
advantages such as rapid titration, minimal accumulation, and
favorable clinical outcomes.
Keywords
AnaConDa; inhalation sedation; nurse; nursing care; Sevoflurane.
Hrčak ID:
349709
URI
Publication date:
31.5.2026.
Visits: 3 *