EMERGENCY DRUGS IN A CRASHCART.FOR NURSING STUDENTS.pptx

Emergency drugs are medications used in critical or life-threatening situations to provide immediate medical intervention. These drugs are essential in stabilizing patients and addressing acute medical conditions such as cardiac arrest, severe allergic reactions, respiratory distress, and other emergencies.
importannt characteristics:
Rapid Onset of Action: Emergency drugs are designed to act quickly to provide immediate relief or stabilization.
Specific Indications: Each drug is used for specific conditions, such as epinephrine for anaphylaxis or naloxone for opioid overdose.
Various Routes of Administration: These drugs can be administered via different routes, including intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), and oral, depending on the situation and the drug’s properties.
Critical Monitoring: Patients receiving emergency drugs require close monitoring to assess the drug’s effectiveness and to detect any adverse reactions promptly.
1. Immediate Response in Critical Situations
Rapid Intervention: In emergencies, every second counts. Nurses need to administer drugs quickly to stabilize patients and prevent deterioration.
Life-Saving Measures: Drugs like epinephrine for cardiac arrest or naloxone for opioid overdose can be life-saving when administered promptly.
2. Accurate Administration
Correct Dosage and Route: Knowing the correct dosage and route of administration ensures the effectiveness of the drug and minimizes the risk of adverse effects.
Avoiding Errors: Familiarity with emergency drugs helps prevent medication errors, which can be critical in emergency situations.
3. Monitoring and Managing Side Effects

4. Coordination with Healthcare Team

Teamwork: In emergency settings, nurses work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Understanding emergency drugs ensures seamless teamwork and coordinated care.
5. Patient and Family Education
Informing Patients: Nurses educate patients and their families about the drugs being administered, including their purpose and potential side effects.
6. Professional Competence and Confidence

common drugs :
Epinephrine (Adrenaline) - for cardiac arrest and severe allergic reactions.
Atropine - for bradycardia (slow heart rate).
Amiodarone (Cordarone) - for arrhythmias.
Lidocaine (Xylocaine) - for ventricular arrhythmias.
Magnesium Sulfate - for torsades de pointes(twisted ECG waves very fast heart rate, often between 150 to 300 beats per minute.) and eclampsia.
Sodium Bicarbonate - for metabolic acidosis.
Calcium Gluconate - for hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia.
Naloxone (Narcan) - for opioid overdose.
Dextrose 50% - for hypoglycemia.
Dopamine - for shock and heart failure.
Dobutamine - for heart failure.
Nitroglycerin - for chest pain (angina).
Midazolam (Versed) - for sedation.
Hydrocortisone (Hycort) - for severe allergic reactions and adrenal insufficiency.

1. EMERGENCY DRUGS IN a CRASH CART. MRS.WINCY THIRUMURUGAN PROFESSOR

2. INTRODUCTION Emergency drugs are medications used in critical or life-threatening situations to provide immediate medical intervention. These drugs are essential in stabilizing patients and addressing acute medical conditions such as cardiac arrest, severe allergic reactions, respiratory distress, and other emergencies.

3. IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS OF EMERGENCY DRUGS Rapid Onset of Action : Emergency drugs are designed to act quickly to provide immediate relief or stabilization. Specific Indications : Each drug is used for specific conditions, such as epinephrine for anaphylaxis or naloxone for opioid overdose. Various Routes of Administration : These drugs can be administered via different routes, including intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), and oral, depending on the situation and the drug’s properties. Critical Monitoring : Patients receiving emergency drugs require close monitoring to assess the drug’s effectiveness and to detect any adverse reactions promptly.

4. Significance of Nurse’s knowledge on emergency drugs.

5. 1. Immediate Response in Critical Situations Rapid Intervention : In emergencies, every second counts. Nurses need to administer drugs quickly to stabilize patients and prevent deterioration. Life-Saving Measures : Drugs like epinephrine for cardiac arrest or naloxone for opioid overdose can be life-saving when administered promptly. 2. Accurate Administration Correct Dosage and Route : Knowing the correct dosage and route of administration ensures the effectiveness of the drug and minimizes the risk of adverse effects. Avoiding Errors : Familiarity with emergency drugs helps prevent medication errors, which can be critical in emergency situations. 3. Monitoring and Managing Side Effects Observation : Nurses must monitor patients for any side effects or adverse reactions after administering emergency drugs. Intervention : They need to be prepared to manage any complications that arise from the drug administration.

6. 4. Coordination with Healthcare Team Effective Communication : Nurses often act as a bridge between the patient and the rest of the healthcare team. Their knowledge of emergency drugs allows them to communicate effectively about the patient’s condition and treatment. Teamwork : In emergency settings, nurses work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Understanding emergency drugs ensures seamless teamwork and coordinated care. 5. Patient and Family Education Informing Patients : Nurses educate patients and their families about the drugs being administered, including their purpose and potential side effects. Reassurance : Providing clear information helps reassure patients and their families during stressful situations. 6. Professional Competence and Confidence Skill Development : Knowledge of emergency drugs is a key component of a nurse’s professional skill set, especially for those working in critical care or emergency departments. Confidence : Being well-versed in emergency pharmacology boosts a nurse’s confidence in handling high-pressure situations effectively

7. COMMON EMERGENCY DRUGS Epinephrine (Adrenaline)  - for cardiac arrest and severe allergic reactions. Atropine  - for bradycardia (slow heart rate). Amiodarone ( Cordarone )  - for arrhythmias. Lidocaine (Xylocaine)  - for ventricular arrhythmias. Magnesium Sulfate  - for torsades de pointes(twisted ECG waves very fast heart rate, often between 150 to 300 beats per minute.) and eclampsia. Sodium Bicarbonate  - for metabolic acidosis. Calcium Gluconate  - for hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia . Naloxone (Narcan)  - for opioid overdose. Dextrose 50%  - for hypoglycemia . Dopamine  - for shock and heart failure. Dobutamine  - for heart failure. Nitroglycerin  - for chest pain (angina). Midazolam (Versed)  - for sedation. Hydrocortisone ( Hycort )  - for severe allergic reactions and adrenal insufficiency.

8. Trade Name Generic Name Action Route Dose Frequency Side Effects Nurse’s Responsibility Adrenaline Epinephrine Vasopressor, increases heart rate and contractility IV, IM, SC 1 mg (IV) Every 3-5 minutes during cardiac arrest Tachyarrhythmias, hypertension, tissue necrosis Monitor vital signs, ensure correct dosage, observe for side effects Atropine Atropine Anticholinergic, increases heart rate IV, IM, SC 0.5-1 mg (IV) Every 3-5 minutes (max 3 mg) Dry mouth, blurred vision, tachycardia Monitor heart rate, educate patient on side effects

9. Adenosine Adenosine Antiarrhythmic, slows AV node conduction IV 6 mg rapid IV push May repeat with 12 mg if needed Flushing, chest pain, shortness of breath Monitor ECG, have resuscitation equipment ready Cordarone Amiodarone Antiarrhythmic, prolongs action potential IV, Oral 300 mg (IV) Once, may repeat with 150 mg Hypotension, bradycardia, pulmonary toxicity Monitor ECG, blood pressure, and respiratory status

10. Sodium Bicarb Sodium Bicarbonate Alkalinizing agent, corrects metabolic acidosis IV 1 mEq/kg As needed based on blood gas results Metabolic alkalosis, hypokalemia Monitor blood gases, electrolytes, and pH levels Noradrenaline Norepinephrine Vasopressor, increases blood pressure IV 0.1-0.5 mcg/kg/min Titrate to effect Hypertension, arrhythmias, tissue necrosis Monitor blood pressure, infusion site, and heart rate

11. Calcium Gluconate Calcium Gluconate Electrolyte, treats hypocalcemia IV 1-2 g As needed Hypercalcemia, tissue necrosis Monitor calcium levels, infusion site, and ECG Hycort Hydrocortisone Corticosteroid, reduces inflammation IV, IM, Oral 100-500 mg Every 6-8 hours Hyperglycemia, infection risk, hypertension Monitor blood glucose, signs of infection, and blood pressure

12. Trade Name Generic Name Action Route Dose Frequency Side Effects Nurse’s Responsibility Avil Pheniramine Antihistamine, relieves allergic symptoms IV, IM 22.75 mg As needed Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness Monitor for allergic reactions, educate patient on side effects xylocard Lidocaine Local anesthetic, numbs tissue IV, IM, SC 1-2% solution As needed Nausea, dizziness, allergic reactions Monitor for allergic reactions, ensure correct dosage

13. Dextrose 25% Dextrose Provides calories, treats hypoglycemia IV 25 g As needed Hyperglycemia, vein irritation Monitor blood glucose levels, infusion site Lasix Furosemide Diuretic, reduces fluid overload IV, Oral 20-80 mg Once daily Hypokalemia , dehydration, hypotension Monitor electrolytes, blood pressure, and fluid balance

14. Dopamine Dopamine Inotropic agent, increases cardiac output IV 2-20 mcg/kg/min Titrate to effect Tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension Monitor ECG, blood pressure, and infusion site Naloxone Naloxone Opioid antagonist, reverses opioid overdose IV, IM, SC 0.4-2 mg Every 2-3 minutes as needed Withdrawal symptoms, hypertension, tachycardia Monitor respiratory status, observe for withdrawal symptoms

15. Midaz Midazolam Benzodiazepine, sedative IV, IM, Oral 1-2.5 mg (IV) As needed Drowsiness, respiratory depression, hypotension Monitor respiratory status, sedation level, and vital signs Nitro glycerine Nitroglycerin Vasodilator, relieves chest pain IV, SL, Oral 5-10 mcg/min (IV) Titrate to effect Headache, hypotension, dizziness Monitor blood pressure, chest pain, and infusion site

16. Dobutamine Dobutamine Inotropic agent, increases cardiac output IV 2-20 mcg/kg/min Titrate to effect Tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension Monitor ECG, blood pressure, and infusion site

17. Generic Name Trade Name Action Route Dose Frequency Side Effects Nurses’ Responsibility Magnesium Sulfate Epsom Salt, Sulfamag - Promotes bowel evacuation (oral) <br> - Decreases acetylcholine in motor nerve terminals (parenteral) <br> - Acts on myocardium by slowing rate of S-A node impulse formation <br> - Stabilizes excitable membranes Oral, Intravenous (IV), Intramuscular (IM), Topical - Oral: 2-4 teaspoons dissolved in water < br > - IV: 1-2 grams per hour (for severe preeclampsia/eclampsia) < br > - IM: 1-5 grams every 4 hours as needed Depends on the condition being treated; typically every 4-6 hours - Flushing <br> - Hypotension <br> - Respiratory depression <br> - Diarrhea (oral) <br> - Muscle weakness - Monitor vital signs, especially respiratory rate and blood pressure < br > - Check deep tendon reflexes before each dose < br > - Ensure correct dosage and administration route < br > - Educate patients about potential side effects < br > - Monitor for signs of magnesium toxicity (e.g., loss of reflexes, respiratory depression)

18. Nurse’s Role in Administering Emergency Drugs Preparation and Administration : Nurses must be proficient in preparing and administering these drugs quickly and accurately. Monitoring : Continuous monitoring of the patient’s vital signs, ECG, and overall condition is crucial. Education : Educating patients and their families about the purpose and potential side effects of the drugs. Documentation : Accurate documentation of the drug administration, patient response, and any adverse effects. Emergency drugs are a vital component of emergency medical care, and healthcare professionals must be well-trained in their use to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients in critical situations.

19. Understanding emergency drugs is essential for nurses to provide safe, effective, and timely care in critical situations. It enhances their ability to respond to emergencies, ensures patient safety, and supports the overall healthcare team’s efforts in saving lives.