Vasoactive Drugs for ICU Nurses

A review

The lecture duration is 21min.

0.5 CPD Points, 0.5 CEUs, 0.5 CME credits approval pending.
Accredited by CPDUK, CBRN and Provider Pending.

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Rochelle Gellatly
Clinical Pharmacist in Critical Care, Surrey Memorial Hospital in Surrey, Canada
Lecture Summary

Vasoactive medications, including inotropes and vasopressors, are used in the treatment of various shock states. Understanding the hemodynamic impact of shock on cardiac output, preload and afterload is important to identify the role of vasoactive medications. Through adrenergic and non-adrenergic mechanisms, inotropes increase myocardial contractility while vasopressors cause vasoconstriction of vascular smooth muscle. Studies evaluating vasopressors in shock have identified norepinephrine as a first-line therapy, especially in patients with septic shock. Vasoactive medication selection should be driven by the patient's presentation to achieve the desired hemodynamic effects while minimizing adverse effects.

Target Audience

Critical Care Nurses

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

  • Understand the hemodynamic changes that occur during shock
  • Describe the mechanism of action & clinical effects of vasoactive drugs
  • Appreciate the evidence that informs choice of vasoactive agents in shock

None.