Problem
A respiratory therapist notes that a patient is using accessory muscle during mechanical ventilation. The ventilator graphics indicate the presence of patient-ventilator asynchrony. The respiratory therapist checks for appropriate settings of flow, sensitivity, and ventilator mode and rules out the presence of auto-PEEP. After talking with the physician, it is agreed that the patient may require the use of a pharmacologic intervention. What would be appropriate for this patient? What led you to that choice of medication?