Effects of critical care-related stressors on physiological stress response markers: a pilot study

Critical illness is associated with high stress levels. Nursing procedures may impose additional stress or even modulate the stress response; however, their effects on stress biomarkers have not been addressed. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of common critical care stressors (endotracheal suctioning, bed bath, pressure injury) on serum biomarkers of the stress response (adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, prolactin, neuropeptide Y and substance P) in severely critically ill adults. References