≥ 92% of participants will have increased knowledge and confidence in their ability to administer vasoactive intravenous medications safely.
CEUFast, Inc. is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. ANCC Provider number #P0274.
≥ 92% of participants will have increased knowledge and confidence in their ability to administer vasoactive intravenous medications safely.
After completing the course, the participant will be able to:
The following definitions are used when addressing vasoactive medications:
It should be noted that medications can be classified into multiple classes: chronotropic, inotropic, or vasodilator.
Vasopressors should be infused via central access but can be administered peripherally until central access is obtained. It should also be noted that the intraosseous (IO) route is a growing trend due to the ease of use of the site in emergent situations (Perkins & Couper, 2023); however, there are certain risks involved, including misplaced IO catheter and questionable absorption of the medication once given. All vasoactive drips can cause severe tissue injury if infiltration occurs. Having arterial line pressure monitoring for patients on vasoactive drips should also be considered. A physician's order is needed to administer any vasoactive drip, and the order should include parameters to titrate related to heart rate and/or blood pressure. Healthcare providers must know the maximum dose, the minimum dose, the titration parameters, and the side effects of all critical care drips and infusions.
Remember that cardiac output is the holy grail of hemodynamics. Cardiac output must be sustained to maintain blood pressure and heart rate. Cardiac output is defined by the stroke volume times the heart rate (SV x HR). Cardiac output is vital for oxygen delivery, blood pressure, urine output, and end-organ perfusion.
Many drugs are used for hemodynamic instability, cardiogenic shock, and neurogenic shock. Medications include norepinephrine, epinephrine, phenylephrine, vasopressin, dopamine, and dobutamine. The previous practice of correcting volume loss before the administration of vasopressors, at least in the context of sepsis, is not as prevalent due to the conflicting evidence of its efficacy (MacDonald et al., 2022), and even to the detriment of the patient (Pinsky et al., 2022). However, MacDonald et al. (2022) suggest tailoring intravenous (IV) fluids to each patient and close hemodynamic monitoring to determine the efficacy of the vasoactive drip and eventually lessen the duration they are used (Pinsky et al., 2022). Vasoactive drips will only temporarily correct hypovolemia, and then the patient will become unstable again until the patient's fluid volume status is corrected.
IV Drip
Here is the basic equation for formulating, mixing, and calculating drip rates. For this exercise, a consistent patient weight of 75 kilograms (kg) will be used for all calculations.
The following formula can be used for all critical care medications using only the applicable elements. If the drug ordered is microgram per minute (mcg/min), then omit the kg element (Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, 2008).
Examples of drug calculations will be shown after medication definitions, dosing, and titration instructions.
Dose Ordered mcg/min | Levophed 4 mg/250 ml | Special Instructions |
---|---|---|
0.5 | 1.9 ml/hr | Protect from light |
1 | 3.8 ml/hr | Titrate up every 20 min |
2 | 7.5 ml/hr | Incompatible with Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) |
3 | 11.3 ml/h | Immediate onset |
4 | 15 ml/hr | Half-life 1-2 minutes |
5 | 18.8 ml/hr | Can cause arrhythmias |
6 | 22.5 ml/hr | Increases cardiac oxygen needs |
7 | 26.3 ml/hr | Use phentolamine for extravasation |
8 | 30 ml/hr | Causes vasoconstriction |
9 | 33.8 ml/hr | Do not use with hypovolemia |
10 | 37.5 ml/hr | Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) therapy |
30 | 112.5 ml/hr | Cocaine use causes hypertension |
A 54-year-old (y/o) male presents to the emergency room (ER) complaining of feeling weak and dizzy. He has a history of gout, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and psoriasis. He is allergic to sulfa. His glucose is 96. He is pale, clammy, and lethargic. His vital signs are a heart rate of 101, blood pressure of 78/50 mmHg, oxygen saturation of 94%, temperature of 97.8, and respirations of 24. A 16 gauge (16g) peripheral IV is established, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is completed (sinus tachycardia), and oxygen therapy 3 liters (L) nasal cannula (NC) is started. After 3 L of normal saline (NS), his blood pressure is 80/40. Which medication should the doctor order?
Rationale:
Levophed (norepinephrine) is an alpha/beta-agonist, causing vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure. It is used for severe hypotension, shock, or bradycardia. Dopamine and dobutamine are contraindicated with a sulfa allergy.
The physician orders a Levophed drip to be started at 0.5 mcg/min with parameters ordered to keep SBP > 90 and heart rate less than 120. After 20 minutes, the patient's vital signs were a heart rate of 106, blood pressure of 88/42, and saturation of 96%. What is the subsequent titration?
Rationale:
Levophed has a rapid onset and short half-life. Incremental increases in the drip will improve blood pressure rapidly. Monitor the vital signs every five minutes and increase the drip after 20 minutes if necessary to meet the parameters.
Epinephrine is used for profound refractory hypotension, ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular tachycardia (VT), pulseless electrical activity (PEA), and asystole. It is the first drug of choice for cardiac arrest. It is a vasopressor and sympathomimetic drug that increases coronary perfusion. Mix 1 mg epinephrine in 250 ml NS or D5W. The infusion is started at 1-4 mcg/min and titrated up for effect. The usual dose is 2-10 mcg/min. It is a very quick-acting drug with an extremely short half-life. It can be titrated up by 1-2 mcg/min every 20 minutes until the desired effect or hemodynamic stability. However, more is not better. High doses do not improve outcomes and can cause post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction.
Dose ordered mcg/min | Epinephrine 1 mg/250 ml (4 mcg/ml) | Special Instructions |
---|---|---|
1 | 15 ml/hr | Onset immediate |
2 | 30 ml/hr | Half-life 1-2 min |
3 | 45 ml/hr | Do not give with alkaline solutions |
4 | 60 ml/hr | Can cause hypertension and arrhythmias |
5 | 75 ml/hr | Monitor pulses with vasoconstriction |
6 | 90 ml/hr | High doses can cause myocardial ischemia |
7 | 105 ml/hr | Keep the patient on a cardiac monitor |
8 | 120 ml/hr | |
9 | 135 ml/hr | |
10 | 150 ml/hr |
Rationale:
Epinephrine is used for profound refractory hypotension, VF, VT, PEA, and asystole. It is the first drug of choice for cardiac arrest.
Rationale:
EXAMPLE: The physician orders epinephrine 2 mcg/min titrate for SBP > 100, heart rate > 80, and heart rate < 110.
This medication is mixed at the bedside. Epinephrine 1 mg is added to 250 ml D5W.
30 ml/hr
Here is an explanation of each element:
2 mcg is the order of the Epinephrine
The weight in kg is omitted as the medication is NOT weight-based.
Epinephrine is a vasopressor and sympathomimetic drug. It has an immediate onset and a 1-2 min half-life. Some of the special precautions include which of the following?
Rationale:
Epinephrine can cause hyperglycemia, so glucose levels should be monitored. It can also cause hypertension and arrhythmias.
Epinephrine is the first drug of choice for cardiac arrest. It is a vasopressor and will increase coronary perfusion. This drug starts at 10 mcg/min and is rapidly titrated up for effect to 20 mcg/min. High doses improve patient outcomes after PEA and asystole. Is this true or false?
Rationale:
Epinephrine infusion is started at 1-4 mcg/min and titrated up for effect. The usual dose is 2-10 mcg/min. It is a very quick-acting drug with an extremely short half-life. It can be titrated up by 1-2 mcg/min every 20 minutes until the desired effect or when hemodynamic stability is achieved. However, more is not better. High doses do not improve outcomes and can cause post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction.
Dopamine usually comes mixed as 400 mg in 250 mL D5W, equaling 1600 mcg/ml. The onset of action is five minutes, and the half-life is two minutes. The dose is 2-20 mcg/kg/min. It usually starts at 5 mcg/kg/min. Dopamine is contraindicated in patients with sulfate allergy. It can cause significant tachycardia, so it is imperative to have continuous cardiac monitoring. It can also cause vasoconstriction, limb ischemia, and widened QRS complex. Urine output should be monitored hourly. The maximum dose is 20 mcg/kg/min. The chart below is based on Dopamine 400 mg/250 ml D5W.
Dose ordered mcg/kg/min | 75kg | 80kg | 85kg | 90kg | 95kg | 100kg |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | 14ml/hr | 15ml/hr | 16ml/hr | 17ml/hr | 18ml/hr | 19ml/hr |
7.5 | 21ml/hr | 23ml/hr | 24ml/hr | 25ml/hr | 27ml/hr | 28ml/hr |
10 | 28 ml/hr | 30ml/hr | 32ml/hr | 34ml/hr | 36ml/hr | 38ml/hr |
15 | 42 ml/hr | 45ml/hr | 48ml/hr | 51ml/hr | 53ml/hr | 56ml/hr |
20 | 56 ml/hr | 60ml/hr | 64ml/hr | 68ml/hr | 71ml/hr | 75ml/hr |
Rationale:
Dopamine is an adrenergic agonist used for central hypotension, heart failure, and increased renal and mesenteric perfusion in the absence of hypovolemia.
Rationale:
EXAMPLE: The physician orders dopamine 5 mcg/kg/min titrate to keep SBP > 100 and MAP > 65.
The hospital pharmacy has premixed dopamine 400 mg/250 ml D5W. Your patient weighs 75 kg.
Here is an explanation of each element:
Dopamine is a positive inotrope used for central hypotension. It can also increase renal perfusion. Monitoring urine is essential. The patient has no urine output for 24 hours. The doctor orders dopamine 40 mcg/kg/min. Is this the correct infusion amount?
Rationale:
Dopamine is an adrenergic agonist used for central hypotension, heart failure, and increased renal and mesenteric perfusion in the absence of hypovolemia. It is a positive inotrope. Dopamine is mixed with 400 mg in 250 cc/D5W, equaling 1600 mcg/ml. The onset of action is five minutes, and the half-life is two minutes. The dose is 2-20 mcg/kg/min. It is usually started at 5 mcg/kg/min.
The best adrenergic agonist for central hypotension, heart failure, and increased renal perfusion is which of the following?
Rationale:
Dopamine is an adrenergic agonist used for central hypotension, heart failure, and increased renal and mesenteric perfusion in the absence of hypovolemia.
The same ICU patient is on a dopamine drip at 15 mcg/kg/min. Her blood pressure is 102/60. Her heart rate is 70. Her urine output is 30 ml/hr. The physician orders the drip to be titrated down by 5 mcg/kg/min every half hour as long as the SBP > 100. The drip is decreased to 10 mcg/kg/min. Forty-five minutes later, the patient has a heart rate of 110 and blood pressure is 90/58. What is the nurse's next action?
Rationale:
Titrate drips according to the physician's written parameters and re-verify orders if in doubt.
Dobutamine is an adrenergic agonist and first-line inotropic. Dobutamine is used for cardiogenic shock and associated hypotension. It acts like a chemical balloon pump that reduces afterload but increases the rate and cardiac contractility. It increases cardiac output and mild vasodilation. Dobutamine will cause hypotension in the presence of hypovolemia. If hypotension occurs after infusion, stop the infusion and address fluid volume losses. Dobutamine can cause tachycardia and headaches. It is contraindicated in patients with a sulfite allergy. The onset is 1-2 minutes, and the half-life is two minutes.
Mix 500 mg in 250 ml D5W for 2000 mcg/ml. The drip is started at 1-2 mcg/kg/min and titrated up to a maximum dose of 40 mcg/kg/min.
Dose ordered mcg/kg/min | 75 kg | 80 kg | 85 kg | 90 kg | 95 kg | 100 kg | 105 kg |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | 11 ml/hr | 12 ml/hr | 13 ml/hr | 14 ml/hr | 15 ml/hr | 16 ml/hr | 17 ml/hr |
7 | 16 ml/hr | 17 ml/hr | 18 ml/hr | 19 ml/hr | 20 ml/hr | 21 ml/hr | 22 ml/hr |
10 | 23 ml/hr | 24 ml/hr | 26 ml/hr | 27 ml/hr | 29 ml/hr | 30 ml/hr | 32 ml/hr |
15 | 34 ml/hr | 36 ml/hr | 38 ml/hr | 41 ml/hr | 43 ml/hr | 45 ml/hr | 47 ml/hr |
20 | 45 ml/hr | 48 ml/hr | 51 ml/hr | 54 ml/hr | 57 ml/hr | 60 ml/hr | 63 ml/hr |
A 77 y/o male with diabetes and a history of hypertension presents to the ER. He is pale and cool. His glucose is 274. His heart rate is 88, his blood pressure is 72/44, and his oxygen saturation is 94%. He has a history of left ventricular heart failure. What drug do you expect the doctor to order?
Rationale:
Dobutamine is an adrenergic agonist and first-line inotropic. Dobutamine is used for cardiogenic shock and associated hypotension.
Rationale:
Dobutamine is an adrenergic agonist and first-line inotropic. Dobutamine is used for cardiogenic shock and associated hypotension. It acts as a chemical balloon pump, reducing afterload but increasing the rate and cardiac contractility.
After 3 L of fluid, the same patient remains hypotensive with a blood pressure of 88/42 and a MAP < 60. His urine output is 30 ml/hr. He weighs 85 kg. His oxygen saturation is 92% on a 40% face mask. He can answer questions when aroused. The patient's heart rate is 99. Dobutamine is ordered at 5 mcg/kg/min. Mix 500 mg in 250 ml D5W for 2000 mcg/ml. The infusion pump is set at 7 ml/hr. Two minutes after the infusion, the bedside cardiac monitor shows a heart rate of 126, saturation of 90%, and blood pressure of 72/34. What is the nurse's next action?
Rationale:
Dobutamine is an adrenergic agonist and first-line inotropic. Dobutamine is used for cardiogenic shock and associated hypotension. It acts like a chemical balloon pump that reduces afterload but increases the rate and cardiac contractility. It increases cardiac output and mild vasodilation. Dobutamine will cause hypotension in the presence of hypovolemia. Stop infusion and address fluid volume losses if hypotension occurs after infusion.
The same patient responds to the discontinuation of the drip and the infusion of a rapid fluid bolus of 3 L. The urine output has increased to 60 ml/hr. The cardiac monitor indicates a sinus rhythm of 89, oxygen saturation of 96% on a 40% face mask, and blood pressure of 100/58. The physician orders the dobutamine to be restarted at 5 mcg/kg/min, titrate to keep SBP >100. After 30 minutes, the heart rate is 86, the blood pressure is 116/64, and the oxygen saturation is 95%. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Rationale:
Dobutamine is an adrenergic agonist and first-line inotropic. Dobutamine is used for cardiogenic shock and associated hypotension. This drug will cause hypotension in the presence of hypovolemia. Stop infusion and address fluid volume losses if hypotension is noted after infusion. The onset is 1-2 minutes, and the half-life is two minutes. Dobutamine is fast-acting, and vital signs are done continuously on the bedside monitor and documented frequently. Each facility has a policy on the frequency of vital sign documentation. Every 5-15 minutes is standard for vital sign documentation with a patient on a vasoactive drip.
It can cause adverse reactions of arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, angina, myocardial ischemia, and peripheral constriction. These reactions are usually seen in doses > 0.04 units/minute. Doses greater than 0.04 units/min may lead to cardiac arrest. Rapid rebound hypotension is a frequent reaction to the abrupt discontinuation of the drip. Ideally, Vasopressin should be titrated down slowly by 0.01 unit/minute increments before discontinuing the drip to avoid adverse reactions.
Dose ordered units/minute | Vasopressin 20 units/100 ml | Special Instructions |
---|---|---|
0.01 u/min | 3 ml/hr | Metabolized by kidneys/liver |
0.02 u/min | 6 ml/hr | Severe vasoconstriction |
0.03 u/min | 9 ml/hr | The first alternative to epinephrine |
0.04 u/min | 12 ml/hr | Monitor for hyponatremia |
0.05 u/m | 15 ml/hr | High doses can cause ischemia |
0.06 u/m | 18 ml/hr | |
0.07 u/m | 22 ml/hr |
Rationale:
Vasopressin is an antidiuretic hormone. It has unlabeled use in septic shock. It requires central line administration but can be administered peripherally until central access is established. Its two primary functions are to retain water in the body and to constrict blood vessels.
Which of the following is the antidiuretic hormone used for septic shock?
Rationale:
Vasopressin is an antidiuretic hormone. It has unlabeled use in septic shock.
Rationale:
Vasopressin is an antidiuretic hormone. It has unlabeled use in septic shock. It also treats PEA and VF. ACLS guidelines no longer recommend Vasopressin to replace the first or second dose of epinephrine (Craig-Brangen & Day, 2021).
Nipride (sodium nitroprusside) is indicated for hypertensive crisis, acute pulmonary edema, and congestive heart failure. It decreases cardiac afterload. Nipride is a potent vasodilator but must be protected from light. It acts quickly and is swiftly reversed.
Dose ordered mcg/kg/min | 75 kg | 80 kg | 90 kg | 100 kg |
---|---|---|---|---|
0.5 | 11 ml/hr | 12 ml/hr | 13.6 ml/hr | 15 ml/hr |
1 | 22.5 ml/hr | 24 ml/hr | 27 ml/hr | 30 ml/hr |
3 | 67 ml/hr | 72 ml/hr | 81 ml/hr | 90 ml/hr |
5 | 112.5 ml/hr | 120 ml/hr | 135 ml/hr | 150 ml/hr |
7 | 157.5 ml/hr | 168 ml/hr | 189 ml/hr | 210 ml/hr |
10 | 225 ml/hr | 240 ml/hr | 270 ml/hr | 300 ml/hr |
Rationale:
Nipride (sodium nitroprusside) is indicated for hypertensive crisis, acute pulmonary edema, and congestive heart failure. It decreases cardiac afterload and is a potent vasodilator.
Which drug is cyanide toxic and must have thiocyanate levels monitored?
Rationale:
Nipride is cyanide toxic, and thiocyanate levels must be monitored.
The same patient has been on a Nipride drip at 5 mcg/kg/min for 20 minutes. His blood pressure is now 192/100, his heart rate is 84, and his oxygen saturation is 98%. The physician ordered the Nipride drip to be titrated to keep the diastolic blood pressure < 90 and the heart rate > 60 and < 120. What is the subsequent titration of the Nipride?
Rationale:
The starting dose of Nipride is 0.4-4 mcg/kg/min and slowly titrated until desired effect. It cannot be stopped abruptly, which may cause rebound hypertension and seizures. Doses should be titrated every five minutes until the desired effect is achieved (Khan. 2022). Each facility has its policies and follows the healthcare provider's orders. However, when in doubt, check with the pharmacist and suggest that a consultation with a cardiac specialist or other specialists may be applicable, depending on the circumstances.
Nitroglycerin is a nitrate and a potent vasodilator that dilates coronary arteries and decreases preload. It is classified as an anti-anginal and antihypertensive drug and a vasodilator. It is used in acute angina, hypertensive crisis, pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction.
Dose Ordered mcg/min | Nitroglycerin 50 mg/250 ml D5W | Special Instructions |
---|---|---|
5 | 1.5 ml/hr | Use glass bottle |
10 | 3 ml/hr | Use vented tubing |
20 | 6 ml/hr | Ceiling dose of 200 mcg/min |
30 | 9 ml/hr | It may cause SEVERE hypotension |
40 | 12 ml/hr | Increases coronary artery perfusion |
50 | 15 ml/hr | Decreases preload |
60 | 18 ml/hr | Causes headache |
70 | 21 ml/hr | Reduces cardiac workload |
80 | 24 ml/hr | Onset 1-2 min/half-life 1-4 min |
A 41 y/o male with a history of cocaine use comes in with a complaint of chest pain. His heart rate is 116, and his blood pressure is 166/74. His pulse oximeter reading is 100% on 2 L of oxygen via nasal cannula. His troponin is elevated, and he is positive for cocaine on a drug screen. What is the drug of choice for a cocaine-induced myocardial infarction?
Rationale:
Nitroglycerin is a nitrate and a strong vasodilator that dilates coronary arteries and decreases preload. It is classified as an anti-anginal and antihypertensive drug and a vasodilator. It is used in acute angina, hypertensive crisis, pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction. It is the drug of choice for cocaine-induced myocardial infarction.
Nitroglycerin is used for myocardial infarction and angina. In an unstable inferior wall myocardial infarction, the dose is started at 10 mcg/min.
Rationale:
Nitroglycerin administration is used cautiously in the presence of oral nitrates, inferior wall myocardial infarction, and sexual performance-enhancing drugs, as life-threatening hypotension can ensue.
Rationale:
Nitroglycerin can adhere to plastic. Nitroglycerin must be hung in a glass bottle with vented tubing.
Rationale:
Nitroglycerin 50 mg/250 ml is 200 mcg/ml.
1x60 = 0.3 10 mcg/min x 0.3/200 mcg = 3 ml/hr
Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a calcium channel blocker and antiarrhythmic for heart rate control during atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, multifocal atrial tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response; it is sometimes used as an antihypertensive. Please do not use it for wide-complex QRS tachycardias.
The dose ordered mg/hr | Diltiazem 125 mg /100 ml NS | Special Instructions |
---|---|---|
5 | 5 ml/hr | It can cause severe hypotension |
10 | 10 ml/hr | Can cause hypocalcemia |
15 | 15 ml/hr | Calcium is antidote |
20 | 20 ml/hr | Monitor blood pressure continuously |
25 | 25 ml/hr | Monitor QRS for widening |
Rationale:
Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a calcium channel blocker and antiarrhythmic for heart rate control during atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, multifocal atrial tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response.
The drug of choice for atrial fibrillation is diltiazem. It is a calcium channel blocker. Which of the following is the usual initial loading dose?
Rationale:
An initial bolus of diltiazem for atrial fibrillation for acute rate control of 5-20 mg (0.25 mg/kg over two minutes; if there is inadequate response, 0.35 mg/kg over two minutes) IV push is usually administered to evaluate the response and blood pressure tolerance.
Diltiazem is an antiarrhythmic used for rate control in atrial fibrillation. Its mechanism of action is slowing calcium in vascular and cardiac muscle tissue. What is the antidote for diltiazem?
Rationale:
Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a calcium channel blocker and antiarrhythmic for heart rate control during atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, multifocal atrial tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. Please do not use it for wide-complex QRS tachycardias. The antidote for diltiazem is calcium.
A 44 y/o male with atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular rate (RVR) with a heart rate of 156 is being given 10 mg of diltiazem IV bolus. The patient's heart rate responds to the calcium channel blocker, and the heart rate is now 90. The physician orders a diltiazem drip to be started. 125 mg (25 ml) of diltiazem is mixed with 125 ml of NS. The 1:1 drip is ordered to infuse at 5 mg/hr with parameters to keep the SBP > 100 and the heart rate < 110 but > 50. The drip has been infusing for 15 minutes. The patient's vital signs are a heart rate of 133 and a blood pressure of 134/80. How is the drip titrated?
Rationale:
For acute rate control, an initial bolus of 5-20 mg (0.25 mg/kg over two minutes; if inadequate response, 0.35 mg/kg over two minutes) IV push is usually administered to evaluate the response and blood pressure tolerance. The drip is then started at 5 mg/hr (5 ml/hr) and titrated up by 2-5 mg every 15-30 minutes for effect to a maximum dose of 15 mg/hr (15 ml/hr).
Amiodarone is for the management of life-threatening recurrent VF or hemodynamically unstable VT and cardiac arrest. It is commonly used for VF pulseless and VT unresponsive to shock delivery and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It is an antiarrhythmic. The dosing is standard for all patients with a 150 mg/100 ml D5W (1.5 mg/ml) bolus over ten minutes. The bolus may be repeated if needed. A 300 mg bolus, diluted in 100 ml D5W over ten minutes, may also be used for VF, VT, and cardiac arrest unresponsive to CPR. The drip is mixed 450 mg/250 ml D5W and runs at 1 mg/min (33 ml/hr) for six hours, then 0.5 mg/min (16 ml/hr) for 18 hours with a transition to oral Cordarone after the drip is discontinued. It has a 53-day half-life.
The dose ordered after a bolus of 150 mg or 300 mg | Amiodarone 1.8 mg/ml 450 mg/250 ml D5W | Maintenance Infusion | Special Instructions |
---|---|---|---|
1 mg/minute | 33 ml/hr for 6 hrs | 360 mg over 6 hrs | Monitor blood pressure |
0.5 mg/min | 16 ml/hr for 18 hrs | 540 mg over 18 hrs | Monitor QT interval |
A 65 y/o male presents to the ER via ambulance with VF. The ambulance crew started an IV and NS. The patient has an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) in place, but it is not functional. The healthcare provider wants to start an antiarrhythmic. Which medication is the best choice?
Rationale:
Amiodarone is for the management of life-threatening recurrent VF or hemodynamically unstable VT and cardiac arrest. It is commonly used for VF pulseless and VT unresponsive to shock delivery and CPR. It is an antiarrhythmic.
The initial bolus dose of amiodarone for life-threatening VF or unstable VT is 20 mg IV push.
Rationale:
The dosing is standard for all patients with a 150 mg/100 ml D5W (1.5 mg/ml) bolus over ten minutes. The bolus may be repeated if needed. A 300 mg bolus, diluted in 100 ml D5W over 10 minutes, may also be used for VF, VT, and cardiac arrest unresponsive to CPR.
A continuous drip infusion follows an amiodarone 300 mg bolus. The amiodarone drip will infuse for _______hours before transitioning to oral Cordarone.
Rationale:
A 300 mg bolus, diluted in 100 ml D5W over ten minutes, may also be used for VF, VT, and cardiac arrest unresponsive to CPR. The drip is mixed 450 mg/250 ml D5W and runs at 1 mg/min (33 ml/hr) for six hours, then 0.5 mg/min (16 ml/hr) for 18 hours with a transition to oral Cordarone after the drip is discontinued. The total time is 24 hours.
Many vasoactive medications have serious side effects. Which medication puts the patient at risk for a thyroid storm?
Rationale:
It has a 53-day half-life. It can cause hypotension, bradycardia, ectopy and arrhythmic events, peripheral neuropathy, thyroid dysfunction, thyroid storm, nausea, vomiting, and pulmonary toxicity.
A patient on an amiodarone drip exhibits signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. The amiodarone drip is discontinued. The patient's vital signs are stable. The first dose of Cordarone is due in 12 hours. Which of the following should the nurse do?
Rationale:
Cordarone is amiodarone and may cause a thyroid storm. The amiodarone infusion has a long half-life of 53 days. Another antiarrhythmic should be ordered.
Rationale:
Use caution in older adults, as a complete heart block can occur. It can also cause confusion, hypotension, lightheadedness, diplopia, seizures, and tinnitus.
Lidocaine (Xylocaine) is a ventricular antiarrhythmic medication. It is usually premixed but should be 2 grams (G)/500 ml D5W, 4 mg/ml. A 1-1.5 mg/kg IV bolus over 2-3 minutes is initiated for ventricular arrhythmias. The dose may be repeated for a total of 2 mg/kg. This action is followed by the initial drip start-up at 1-4 mg/minute. It suppresses ventricular arrhythmias by decreasing automaticity. The onset is 30-90 seconds. Use caution in older adults, as a complete heart block can occur. It can also cause confusion, hypotension, lightheadedness, diplopia, seizures, tinnitus, and perioral numbness, all of which may be a sign/symptom of toxicity. It is contraindicated in a complete or 2nd degree AVB, and the dose needs to be decreased for those patients with congestive heart failure or hepatic disease (Mrad et al., 2019). Although the drug is still considered a drug for ACLS protocols, it remains to be seen if it is superior to amiodarone; Achilli (2023) reports that the drug is superior to amiodarone, while Wang et al. (2023) cites amiodarone as slightly better in clinical outcomes.
The dose ordered mg/min | Lidocaine 2 G/500 ml | Special Instructions |
---|---|---|
1 | 15 ml/hr | Monitor for bradycardia |
2 | 30 ml/hr | Do not use in acute myocardial infarction |
3 | 45 ml/hr | Monitor for heart block |
4 | 60 ml/hr | Watch for circulatory depression |
Rationale:
Lidocaine (Xylocaine) is a ventricular antiarrhythmic medication. It is usually premixed but should be 2 G/500 ml D5W, 4 mg/ml. For ventricular arrhythmias, a 1-1.5 mg/kg IV bolus over 2-3 minutes is initiated. The dose may be repeated for a total of 2 mg/kg. This action is followed by the initial drip start-up at 1-4 mg/minute. It suppresses ventricular arrhythmias by decreasing automaticity.
Dose ordered mcg/kg/min | 75 kg ml/hr | 80 kg ml/hr | 85 kg ml/hr | 90 kg ml/hr | 95 kg ml/hr |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
50 | 22.5 ml/hr | 24 ml/hr | 25.5 ml/hr | 27 ml/hr | 28.5 ml/hr |
75 | 34 ml/hr | 36 ml/hr | 38 ml/hr | 41 ml/hr | 43 ml/hr |
100 | 45 ml/hr | 48 ml/hr | 51 ml/hr | 54 ml/hr | 57 ml/hr |
150 | 67.5 ml/hr | 72 ml/hr | 76.5 ml/hr | 81 ml/hr | 85.5 ml/hr |
200 | 90 ml/hr | 96 ml/hr | 102 ml/hr | 108 ml/hr | 114 ml/hr |
250 | 112.5 ml/hr | 120 ml/hr | 127.5 ml/hr | 135 ml/hr | 142.5 ml/hr |
300 | 135 ml/hr | 144 ml/hr | 153 ml/hr | 162 ml/hr | 171 ml/hr |
Which medication is used for sinus tachycardias, especially ventricular rates?
Rationale:
Esmolol (Brevibloc) is indicated for sinus tachycardia, heart rate and ventricular response control, SVT, and hypertension. It is a selective beta-blocking agent and antiarrhythmic.
A 34 y/o female presents to the ER with an SVT of 199. She is 36 weeks pregnant. Her blood pressure is 149/77. She is in no pain and is not in labor. Her oxygen saturation is 96% on two liters via nasal cannula. IV access is established, and an ECG is completed. The doctor wants to start an antiarrhythmic. What is the best choice for this patient?
Rationale:
Amiodarone is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating patients. Atropine and nitroglycerin are not antiarrhythmic medications.
A 61 y/o female is on an esmolol drip at 70 mcg/kg/min for SVT. She has been on the drip for 36 hours. The orders for the drip are to keep the heart rate < 110 and > 60 and to keep the SBP < 160 and > 90. She has no known allergies, and her weight is 90 kg. Her vital signs have been within parameters for 12 hours. However, her vital signs have changed; her heart rate is 146, and her blood pressure is 150/90. The next action of the nurse is:
Rationale:
Esmolol (Brevibloc) is indicated for sinus tachycardia, heart rate control and ventricular response, SVT, and hypertension. It is imperative that dosing is accurate as the drug acts rapidly. Half-life is nine minutes. The drip may be started at 50 mcg/kg/min and titrated up to 300 mcg/kg/min every five minutes to control heart rate, cautiously monitoring blood pressure during titration. Do not stop the medication abruptly.
The same patient has a heart rate of 101 and a blood pressure of 128/60. Her glucose is 76. Her urine output is 60 ml/hr. The esmolol remains at 75 mcg/kg/min. What is the nurse's next action?
Rationale:
The vital signs are within the parameters of the esmolol order.
Twenty-four hours later, the same patient remains in the ICU. The esmolol drip is 75 mcg/kg/min. The heart rate is 60, and the blood pressure is 90/62. The oxygen saturation is 98. She is alert and oriented. The urine output is 60 ml/hr. She is in no distress. Which of the following is the nurse's next action?
Rationale:
The drip cannot be stopped abruptly. The patient has vital signs on the lowest end of the parameters, so titration is not indicated per the order. The vital signs are continuous. The physician needs to be called to determine if the parameters for the vital signs and the drip titration should be changed.
Rationale:
Adenosine is used to treat PSVT and WPW syndrome; this type of arrhythmia is deadly. It is an antiarrhythmic.
What is the amount of the first dose of adenosine?
Rationale:
Adenosine is used to treat PSVT and WPW syndrome; this type of arrhythmia is deadly. It is an antiarrhythmic. Initially, an adenosine 6 mg rapid bolus (over 1-2 seconds) with a 10 ml NS flush is administered immediately after the IV push for PSVT. If not effective within 1-2 minutes, 12 mg may be given again; a third 12 mg bolus if needed for persistent SVT; maximum single dose: 12 mg.
A 16 y/o female with WPW is in the ER. Her heart rate is 275, and her blood pressure is 112/62. The physician wants to order another dose of adenosine. Which is the next dose for this patient?
Rationale:
Adenosine is used to treat PSVT and WPW syndrome; this type of arrhythmia is deadly. It is an antiarrhythmic. It is administered in three bolus doses, only 6 mg, then 12 mg, and finally 12 mg per the ACLS dosing recommendations.
The 16 y/o female with WPW now has a heart rate of 110. Her blood pressure is 120/74. She is admitted to the ICU for monitoring of her PSVT. After successfully correcting the WPW with the adenosine bolus, the healthcare provider orders an adenosine drip. What will the infusion rate be in ml/hr?
Rationale:
Adenosine is never given as a continuous infusion.
EXAMPLE: A physician orders dopamine 5 mcg/kg/min. titrate to keep SBP > 100 and MAP > 65.
The hospital pharmacy has premixed Dopamine 400 mg/250 ml D5W. Your patient weighs 75 kg.
Here is an explanation of each element:
EXAMPLE: A physician orders Epinephrine 2 mcg/min, titrate for SBP > 100 and heart rate > 80 and heart rate < 110.
This medication is mixed at the bedside. Epinephrine 1 mg is added to 250 ml D5W.
Here is an explanation of each element:
EXAMPLE: Physician orders Lidocaine 2 mg/min, titrate for ventricular ectopy, maintaining heart rate > 60 and SBP > 90
The hospital has premixed Lidocaine 2 G/500 ml D5W.
Here is an explanation of each element:
The drug calculation formula will work for all vasoactive drips using only the elements needed for the ordered drip infusion.
The vasoactive medications used most in their pediatric intensive care unit are epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and vasopressin (Rizza et al., 2016).
The two significant precautions for utilizing vasopressors in pediatrics are the risk of extravasation and limb ischemia, which are also risks for adults. Still, the pediatric population needs to be even more vigilant of the risks and the need for frequent monitoring to prevent these outcomes. However, newer studies comparing extravasation rates in diluted vasoactive inotropes in less affluent countries reveal that the extravasation rate is at 3%, which is still a concern but less than once believed.
In looking at how vasoactive medications are given to the pediatric patient, the routes used can be peripheral, central venous access, and intraosseous as this method of delivery of fluids and medications is safe, however, an underutilized delivery method per Hoskins et al. (2022).
The use of vasoactive medications is also used in the neonate for septic shock and can include norepinephrine, dopamine, and Dobutamine. According to Lu et al. (2023), the use of norepinephrine was shown in some instances to be more beneficial to preterm neonates with septic shock than dopamine.
Remember that all vasoactive medications are dose-dependent and need to be administered cautiously. All patients on vasoactive drips need continuous ECG, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation monitoring. All critical care and emergency drips must be administered on an infusion pump. Elderly patients and patients with multiple co-morbidities respond differently and must be monitored constantly. All vasoactive drips should be administered via central access. Peripheral or intraosseous access may be used until central access is obtained; however, all vasoactive drips cause severe tissue injury if extravasation occurs (Castano, 2012). An arterial line is preferred for constant blood pressure monitoring. It is imperative to remember that all medications for blood pressure must be administered while considering fluid volume loss and the need for fluid resuscitation. While many vasoactive drugs can be of great value to the patient, they can also cause life-threatening arrhythmias. Cardiac monitoring is essential while administering these medications and having emergency resuscitative equipment ready in case of medical emergency.
CEUFast, Inc. is committed to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While reflecting on this course content, CEUFast, Inc. would like you to consider your individual perspective and question your own biases. Remember, implicit bias is a form of bias that impacts our practice as healthcare professionals. Implicit bias occurs when we have automatic prejudices, judgments, and/or a general attitude towards a person or a group of people based on associated stereotypes we have formed over time. These automatic thoughts occur without our conscious knowledge and without our intentional desire to discriminate. The concern with implicit bias is that this can impact our actions and decisions with our workplace leadership, colleagues, and even our patients. While it is our universal goal to treat everyone equally, our implicit biases can influence our interactions, assessments, communication, prioritization, and decision-making concerning patients, which can ultimately adversely impact health outcomes. It is important to keep this in mind in order to intentionally work to self-identify our own risk areas where our implicit biases might influence our behaviors. Together, we can cease perpetuating stereotypes and remind each other to remain mindful to help avoid reacting according to biases that are contrary to our conscious beliefs and values.