Stopping pressors during a code

[scrubing77]

Just tring to find out if during a code in other faclities do they stop all pressors. I work in a 16 bed ICU community hospital. During codes I was taught to stop all pressors. Some of the older nurses who have not worked in the ICU for very long but use to a long time ago in other facilities have been telling us to stop them. But the experince nurses that have worked in this faclity say do so which is the best answer.

[GilaRRT]

Does not much matter in cardiac arrest as pressors are not linked to improved outcomes. Some evidence suggests slightly higher ROSC with pressors; however, no link with improved outcome. Medications in general do not appear to effect outcomes.

However, out of pure laziness, I would be inclined to simpy let what ever meds continue to infuse during the code.

[meandragonbrett]

What's the point of leaving an epi gtt running when you're giving 1mg q3-5minutes?

Why fool with wasting time trying to turn the pump off.....there are more important things to be done.

Those stupid pumps are the *last* thing I am concerned about during a code. I've never seen anybody go to turn off vasoactive medications during a code.

[Aymese]

Oftentimes in the cath lab a patient will go in and out of arresting while we are fixing a lesion. When the patient has a rhythm, the vasopressors remain on to maintain the BP. When/if we resume CPR the vasopressors, mainly levo, neo, and dopamine, continue to infuse without regard to titration.

I don't think I understand the rationale behind turning off the vasopressors during CPR, especially if they have been tanked up with fluids.