Which of the following could be a last resort for managing patient anxiety in respiratory settings?

Administering sedatives is often considered a last resort for managing patient anxiety in respiratory settings because it can help to alleviate extreme anxiety that may hinder a patient’s ability to tolerate mechanical ventilation or other therapeutic interventions. Sedatives can reduce stress responses, promote relaxation, and improve overall comfort, which may positively impact respiratory function, especially in patients who are experiencing significant anxiety or distress during treatment.

In situations where patients are overly anxious, sedatives can allow for better compliance with prescribed therapies, such as mechanical ventilation. However, careful consideration must be given to the type and dosage of sedatives used, as they can also depress respiratory drive if not properly managed.

In contrast, increasing inspiratory pressure and reducing ventilatory support may not directly address anxiety and could potentially cause more distress or discomfort to the patient. Similarly, switching to continuous positive airway pressure might be beneficial for some respiratory issues but does not specifically target anxiety management. Thus, while these alternative approaches may be considered in clinical practice, they do not specifically focus on alleviating anxiety in the way that sedatives do.