drips during a code

Specialties CCU

Published

I'm not a new nurse but newer to ICU and still on orientation, and even though I have a few years of experience I have never (***knocking on wood like crazy***) had a patient I was caring for code. I've been involved in a few, usually doing compressions and a few times recording but it has never been my own patient.

Last week a patient came up from the operating room after a valve repair (don't know what valve, what surgery, or really anything because I wasn't the nurse) and about two hours after went into v-fib (we were able to convert her). I wish I had thought to ask at the time, but are there any particular drugs you'd want to make sure you shut off if a patient goes into a lethal rhythm during the code situation? My first thoughts have always been compressions, crash cart/defibrillator/meds, but not whatever is already running.

Thanks in advance, sorry if this is a stupid question.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Well, if they are on Nipride and for 'some reason' they dumped their blood pressure, then I would certainly stop that one. If they get real tachy, Dobutamine might cause that (not always, but some folks are more sensitive to it than others). Dopamine might also cause tachycardia. Really depends on the situation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

Id turn off any vasodilators, everything else I'd leave on. On my old unit we were known to run levo wide open during codes. Sounds weird, but when someone is dead/dying- anything works.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Id turn off any vasodilators, everything else I'd leave on. On my old unit we were known to run levo wide open during codes. Sounds weird, but when someone is dead/dying- anything works.

We will be finding out more about that statement hopefully by 2019:

NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies | 12/127/126

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU, CCU, Heart Transplant.
Id turn off any vasodilators, everything else I'd leave on. On my old unit we were known to run levo wide open during codes. Sounds weird, but when someone is dead/dying- anything works.

I have worked with cardiologist that will run dopamine wide oven during a code, especially with asystole.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
I have worked with cardiologist that will run dopamine wide oven during a code, especially with asystole.

Sounds like one of those interventions that kick in 10 minutes after it's called. "HEY! WAIT A MINUTE!" :woot:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment