A patient with an intracranial hemorrhage is being treated with cisatracurium to induce paralysis. Which intervention should the nurse implement during this pharmacological paralysis?

• A. Administer a sedative
• B. Administer a neuromuscular blocker reversal agent
• C. Provide suctioning and reposition
• D. Elevate head of bed

Answer: (A)

Neuromuscular blockers disable movement but do not affect consciousness or pain perception. When a patient is paralyzed, they can still be awake and aware, which means without sedation they may experience distress, anxiety, or even fight the ventilator. Administering a sedative is essential during pharmacologic paralysis to ensure comfort, prevent awareness, and help keep the patient safely and synchronously ventilated. Sedation also helps minimize sympathetic responses that could raise intracranial pressure. Reversal agents would be used only when attempting to restore movement, and suctioning, repositioning, or elevating the head of the bed are routine supportive measures, not the primary need tied to paralysis.