The Role of the Nurse in Preventing Intensive Care Psychosis 

Admission to an Intensive Care Unit/Intensive Therapy Unit, even in the case of an ‘arranged admission’ can be one of the most stressful events a person ever experiences.  Both patient and family are affected.  First there is the life threatening, and often unexpected, illness or injury, bringing with it fear, pain and shock.  Then the patient is suddenly exposed to an array of complex equipment, diagnostic tests, drugs and specialist personnel amidst which it is all too easy for appreciation of the person to be lost.