Table 2

Sources of discomfort in intensive care unit patients (n = 66)

Source of discomfort
%a

Endotracheal tube
42
Hallucinations
32
Medical activities
29
Noise and bustle
14
Pain
12
Thirst
9
Inability to talk
9
Shortness of breath
6
Being afraid
6

aBecause patients could list more than one source of discomfort, the summation of percentages exceeds 100%.

van de Leur et al. Critical Care 2004 8:R467   doi:10.1186/cc2976