Vasoactive Pharmacology for Pediatric Shock

Activity Summary

Almost one-third of children presenting to the emergency department experience shock, with over half of the cases involving septic shock. Prompt recognition and management are essential to survival of this life-threatening condition, but recent changes in sepsis definitions for adult populations have raised questions and challenges for APRNs caring for these children. This session explores pharmacological management of pediatric shock with a significant emphasis on the vasoactive medications used in septic shock. We provide an in-depth review of the pathophysiological, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts for intravenous fluids and medications used in all shock states. Differences between adults and children are mentioned. By the end of this session, participants are able to confidently prescribe, initiate, monitor, titrate and discontinue vasoactive medications used in pediatric shock management. Pharmacology content = 80%.

Objectives

Identify rationales and indications of vasoactive medications used to manage pediatric patients throughout the sepsis and shock continua.
Explain physiology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of at least five commonly used vasoactive medications for pediatric shock.
Describe at least two emerging trends in the pharmacological management of pediatric septic shock.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.