IV meds.

[june2009]

Hello everyone! I am making the switch from LTC to LTAC. The unit I will be working on is very similar to ICU. All types of iv drips such as Levo, neo, and the likes. I'm super excited but a little nervous. I have an iv drug guide and have been looking over some education materials from when I worked PCU years ago. Is there a website or book that anyone knows of that I can compare and contrast the specific reasons for using one vaso-active drug vs. Another one?

[june2009]

What I mean is, I know that dopamine is used for hypotensive states, but what I'm having a hard time with is why use dopamine over levophed? Or levophed over neo-synephrine? I hope I don't sound stupid. I start orientation tomorrow (paperwork stuff) and I just want to be prepared for when I start on the floor. Thank you!

[SquishyRN, BSN, RN]

Check out ICUfaqs.org. Lots of good info there that will definitely help you in your career. But to answer your question, go to the site and go to the "Pressors and Vasoactives" section. You'll get a very informative run down of the physiology and mechanics of shock and the mechanism of action of the drugs used to treat it. By understanding the mechanisms, you'll have a better understanding of why you choose one drug over the other.

Congrats on the switch to LTAC! You'll be learning lots!

[scottaprn]

university of Chicago medicine has an icuguidebook odd that is great. if you google it it is easy to find

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

You are going to be in the LTACH ICU? Good for you. Look into getting ACLS certified.

http://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/UserFiles/Servers/Server_442934/Image/1.1/residentguides/final/survivalguide.pdf

http://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/UserFiles/Servers/Server_442934/Image/1.1/residentguides/final/icuguidebook.pdf

[h=3]ICUFAQS.org[/h]