NURSING MANAGEMENT OF SEDATION IN THE PREVENTION OF DELIRIUM IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the role of sedation management performed by the nursing team in preventing delirium in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units. This is an integrative literature review conducted according to Whittemore and Knafl’s framework, with searches carried out in the SciELO and PubMed databases using descriptors related to sedation, nursing care, delirium, and intensive care. Studies published between 2020 and 2025 were included, resulting in a final sample of 11 articles after applying eligibility criteria and PRISMA guidelines. The findings indicate that appropriate sedation management, including light sedation strategies, the use of non-benzodiazepine agents, and the application of validated tools such as RASS and CAM-ICU, is associated with reduced delirium incidence, shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, and decreased length of hospital stay. Furthermore, the implementation of care bundles, such as ABCDEF, showed positive impacts on clinical outcomes. It is concluded that nursing plays a central role in sedation monitoring and management, being essential for patient safety, although challenges remain regarding protocol adherence and standardization of care practices.