Neuromuscular blocking agents

[oklahomarn57]

what neuromuscular blocking agents do you use in your icu/er and who do you allow to give them.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

In my very limited experience I've only seen Lidocaine used. I've seen them given by MD's and ARNP's only. I'm sure of course CRNA's give them also.

Welcome to Allnurses.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Are we discussing for RSI - rapid sequence intubation?

[Noryn]

We always used succinylcholine in the ER however the nurses were not allowed to push it. The doctor had to push it then run up to the pt's head and intubate them. In the unit we used to use Norcuron in which we maintained the drip. It really depends on your state nursing act. Often RNs are allowed to manage the drip rate but are not allowed to "push" these medications because it is considered administering anesthesia however your state's nurse practice act may provide further clarification. Diprivan although not a NMB is another example of a med that nurses arent allowed to push but allowed to administer as a drip.

Is Lidocaine considered a NMB? By IV it wouldnt be but technically if you infiltrate it in an area it will block sensation and even movement.

[meandragonbrett]

We pretty much use all of them depending on the person intubating. Our nurses give the meds. Giving a NMB is not administering anesthesia. NMB does not induce a state of unconsciousness. In the unit, we don't routinely paralyze patients except for RSI.