8 Drugs Every ICU Nurse Needs to Know

8 Drugs Every ICU Nurse Needs to Know

These drugs are used frequently in the ICU setting. It is imperative that you understand what these drugs are and when they are to be used.

When I started on my current unit I had no idea what these drugs were. I had a vague idea, but really, I was pretty clueless. I had spent the last few months just trying to pass class. Unfortunately, I didn't have a critical care class. (Which I really wished we would have!)

Here's a quick guide to 8 drugs that we use frequently in emergency situations. ALCS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support).

1. Adenosine
   An endogenous nucleoside, slows conduction down through the AV node. Treats tachycardia. Extremely short half life- <10 seconds.
2. Amiodarone
   Antiarrhythmic that effects the sodium, potassium, and calcium channels.Vasodilates. Used in V tach, V fib, and sinus tachycardia.
3. Atropine
   Anticholinergic, enhances the conduction in the AV nodes. Drug of choice in treating bradycardia.
4. Epinephrine
   Potent catecholamine. Increases heart rate, blood pressure. Used to treat Asystole, V tach, V fib, bradycardia.
5. Lidocaine
   Antiarrhythmic use alternatively to Amiodarone. Treats V fib, and V tach,
6. Procainamide
   Antiarrhthmia, This is used to treat sustained V Tach.
7. Sotalol
   Beta Blocker. Treats A fib or A flutter.
8. Vasopressin
   Synthetic antiarrhythmia. Used to treat asystole, v tach, v fib.

Whoo hoo. Spring is around the corner! I can feel it. :)

Also, thanks for being patient with me. I'm in an area with limited internet accessibility, so posting has been nearly impossible. I'll get back in the swing of things soon.

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HEY, YOU GUYS!!  {Done in my Goonies voice} I just updated this post so that it includes a lot more information than the minimalist post here. If you'd like more information here is the link to the new and improved post: {UPDATED} 8 Drugs Every ICU Nurse Needs to Know.  Thanks!

Xoxo,

Nighitingale