Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.)
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Dynamics (Pembroke, Ont.) · Jan 2007
ReviewNeuromuscular blocking agents: enhancing safety by reducing the risk of accidental administration.
Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are often found as ward stock in critical care units to ensure their availability in case of urgent need. The unintentional administration of an NMBA to a non-intubated and non-ventilated patient can result in severe permanent injury or death. Incidents involving mix-ups with NMBAs have occurred within and outside of critical care units. Case reports are highlighted with the intent to increase practitioner awareness of situations that could lead to similar errors and to promote changes in the critical care environment in order to enhance medication safety with NMBAs.
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The aim of resuscitation is to sustain life with intact neurological functioning and the same quality of life previously experienced by the patient. Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) was designed to achieve this aim. However the requirement for ACLS training for critical care nurses working in Canadian critical care units is inconsistent across the country. ⋯ Using the search terms ACLS training, resuscitation, critical care, and nursing, two databases, CINAHL and MEDLINE, were used. The evidence supports the need for ACLS training for critical care nurses. The evidence also supports organized ongoing refresher courses, multidisciplinary mock code blue practice using technologically advanced simulator mannequins, and videotaped reviews to prevent knowledge and skill degradation for effective resuscitation efforts.