meglp17

I work on a cardiac step down unit where the cardiologists typically start nitro and heparin on mostly anyone coming in with chest pain. I was pulled to CCU last night where a patient was having active chest pain, diaphoretic, nausea and vomiting. The cardiologist ordered integrilin IV. Just wondering if someone could explain the patho behind integrilin and the benefits of its use over heparin.

He hadn't had labs drawn for over 48 hours. Sodium bicarbonate was infusing at 125ml/hr. I went home for the night right as these critical values were called to the day nurse, so I didn't get to see what happened later on in the day with the patient. This was the first experience I've had with a bicarb drip, so thanks for all the input!

Thanks for the input everyone :) Here's what I remember about the patient: They were in metabolic acidosis, diabetic, nephrologist had them on a sodium bicarbonate drip, K of 6.4, they received kayexalate (I don't remember any other labs). Three days later the critical labs were K- 2.0, Ca- 5.7, glucose-42; and yes the patient had diarrhea.

Hi. I had a patient with a potassium of 6.4, was given oral Kayexalate, then three days later had a potassium of 2.0. I was just wondering if anyone knows how long Kayexalate continues to work in the body, as I have had trouble finding half-life information on this drug. Thanks!