Keywords

Agitation, anoxic brain injury, patient-centered care

 

Authors

  1. Schwark, James MSN, MDiv, RN, CRRN

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe and recommend reading as a nursing intervention for agitated patients with anoxic brain injury.

 

Design: The design of this study is a case report of the results from reading to an agitated patient with anoxic brain injury.

 

Methods: Observation of the effects of reading to an agitated patient.

 

Findings: Fifteen minutes of reading to an agitated patient during the evening hours had a calming effect.

 

Conclusions: Reading to agitated patients is an additional nursing intervention with little risk and represents efficient, patient-centered care.

 

Clinical Relevance: Reading is a successful nursing intervention that has a calming effect on agitated patients.