Patient-Controlled Anxiolysis With Dexmedetomidine (PCA-DEX) for Burn-care Dressing Changes

Prior to the burn dressing changes PCA-DEX patients will receive a bolus of dexmedetomidine (Precedex®) 0.25 mcg/kg administered over 10 minutes by nursing staff, followed by a continuous infusion of Precedex® at 0.4 mcg/kg/hr via a standard infusion pump (LifeCare PCA). Patients will self-medicate as needed for anxiety self-management by self-administering a bolus of Precedex® 0.1 mcg/kg. This dosage is within the FDA-approved package insert parameters. Heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation will be closely monitored by a staff RN already trained to provide care in the procedure room. 1 hour prior to- and after completion of the burn dressing change each day using a 100-mm visual analog scale. Patients will both rate their satisfaction with PCA-DEX for anxiety management after each completion of the burn dressing change.