Neuromuscular Blockade in the ICU: A Review of Practice

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

A new neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) has not been introduced in the past 20 years; however, their use in the intensive care unit has greatly evolved. NMBAs may be indicated for intubation, ventilator dyssynchrony, shivering, elevated intracranial pressures or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). NMBA regimens must be tailored to the specific patient based on indication, choice of agent, dosing, metabolism, elimination and monitoring requirements. APRNs are in a unique position to participate in the clinical decision-making process to ensure the safe and appropriate use of these high-risk medications. This session covers the pharmacology, drug selection, dosing, monitoring and adverse drug reactions associated with NMBAs. Specific indications are outlined while summarizing the significant literature supporting their clinical use. Real-world patient scenarios are utilized to enhance the participant's understanding and application of learned concepts. Pharmacology content = 100%.

Objectives

Review the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dosing and monitoring of NMBAs.
Identify the clinical uses of NMBAs and summarize the literature supporting specific indications.
Employ actual patient scenarios to enhance application of learned concepts.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must attend/view/read the entire activity and complete the associated evaluation to be awarded the contact hours or CERP. No partial credit will be awarded.

Disclosure

This activity has been reviewed by the Nurse Planner. It has been determined that the material presented here shows no bias. No conflicts of interest have been identified for any individual with the ability to influence the content of this activity. Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN or ANCC approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC's) Commission on Accreditation, ANCC Provider Number 0012. AACN has been approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the California State Board of Nursing (CBRN), California Provider number CEP 1036. This activity is approved for 1.00 contact hours.

AACN programming meets the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education contact hours for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting CE to fulfill continuing education requirements.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.