Jockgrl209

Wanted some suggestions for reading this summer prior to the start of CRNA school. Anything in particular to review or get a head start on?

In the open heart ICU we mix a precedex gtt (400mcg/100cc) standard for each patient admitted from the OR. We titrate it from 0.2 - 0.7 mcg/kg/hr to a Ramsey of 3, and up to 1mcg/kg/hr for some cases (rarely though.) We use precedex on the ventilated patients until extubated. It's great because it doesn't sedate them as much as propofol and can be weaned to off easily. It also doesn't depress the respiratory system. An extubated patient can be sedated on precedex whereas a non-intubated patient on a propofol gtt must have conscious sedation protocol in effect. Only problem is when patients are hypotensive as it has a an effect on BP.