Amiodarone

[BecomingNursey]

Hello All!

The other day I was thrown into a rather uncomfortable position. A patient came into the ED where I work and the patient initially presented in asystole. After working the code for 10-12 minutes we were performing another rhythm check and noted that the patient was in pulse less v-fib. We shocked the patient, continued CPR and the physician ordered for 150 mg bolus of amiodarone to be given. I confirmed the order with the physician and started administering the medication IVP over 10 minutes as that is the rate I've been taught and that is what is in my drug book (I came home and confirmed it). My charge nurse was watching me and told me to just finish pushing the medication about 2 minutes in and proceeded to tell me that during a cardiac arrest event the 10 minute push doesn't matter. I didn't agree and continued to do a slower push.

So here is my question; Does it matter in a code situation, how long you give amiodarone over?

And to go ahead and address it: I wouldn't just take someone from a nursing forums advice over extensive research. I just wanted some experienced nurses (if people are honest) opinions! Thanks :)

[CrazziiRN913, ADN, BSN]

Think of it this way...you can't kill dead...but sometimes we can bring it back! [emoji16]

[Altra, BSN, RN]

OP, have you had ACLS yet? If not, I think this episode demonstrates why your involvement in codes should be limited to compressions, observation, and perhaps documentation until you complete the ACLS provider course. Hopefully that is planned ASAP for you.

If you are ACLS-certified ... please review the algorithms and think carefully about why 10 minutes of med administration is incompatible with resuscitation efforts.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Great responses...but think about this way. What is the worst thing that can happen if you push it faster.....NOTHING...because the patient will be lucky to survive at all! Yep slam it in!in

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Great responses...but think about this way. What is the worst thing that can happen if you push it faster.....NOTHING...because the patient will be lucky to survive at all! Yep slam it in!

[/username, BSN, RN]

And OP was never seen or heard from again.

2/10 troll post. low effort.

[canned_bread]

Hey - as everyone as stated, during a code with the ACLS protocol its rapid.

BUT more importantly is you should be trained to know this, and know how to handle this. You should be ACLS trained and thus know the algorithm and what not. So push for that training! :)