Exam 1: Things are Critical Flashcards
what is the intensive care unit?
-can be defined as a specialized section of a hospital that provides comprehensive care. for persons who are critically ill
–> around-the clock monitoring and treatment of critically ill patients, staffed with specially trained healthcare professionals & contains sophisticated monitoring equipment
Pharmacist role: direct patient care activities
-interdisciplinary pt care rounds
-code blue/code stroke response
-perform medication histories
-prevent and manage adverse drug events/medication errors
-pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamic monitoring
-patient and caregiver education
Pharmacist role: indirect patient care activities
-policy and protocol development
-formulary management
-research
-participation in committees
PKPD changes in critically ill patients
-fluid shifts
-renal dysfunction
-hepatic dysfunction
Specific prophylaxis considerations in critically ill patients
-ventilator associated pneumonia
-stress ulcer prophylaxis
-venous thromboembolism prophylaxis
Nutrition considerations in critically ill patients
-enteral vs parenteral
FAST HUGS BID (what it is)
-emphasizes the important aspects of critical care medicine that can be applied twice daily to critically ill patients
-can serve as a “check-list” to ensure all elements of ICU care are being accounted for to provide safe, effective care in this setting
FAST HUGS BID (what it stands for)
-feeding
-analgesia
-sedation
-thromboprophylaxis
-head of bed (VAP prophylaxis)
-ulcer prophylaxis
-glycemic control
-spontaneous breathing trial
-bowel regimen
-indwelling catheters
-de-escalation of antibiotics
FAST HUGS BID: feeding
-malnutrition can lead to impaired immune function –> increased susceptibility to infection, impaired wound healing, bacterial overgrowth in the GI tract and an increased risk for development of decubitus ulcers
-feeding should be considered as soon as the pt is clinically stable
FAST HUGS BID: feeding considerations
-emphesis on an early feeding: enteral feeding is PREFERRED –> stimulated the gut to work, has been associated with less GI bleeding
-parenteral nutrition may become necessary if the pts gut it not working or enteral feeds are not being tolerated
FAST HUGS BID: Analgesia - why are they in pain and assessment
-pain due to underlying conditions (trauma, surgery), standard ICU care (lines, tubes, turning/repositioning, physical therapy )
Importance: providing adequate analgesia optimizes pt comfort and minimizes the acute stress response, hyper metabolism, increased oxygen consumption, hyper coagulability, and alterations in immune function- can also reduce the risk of developing agitation
FAST HUGS BID: Analgesia - type of pain and common meds used
–> type of pain: nociceptive vs neuropathic: helps to choose best agent to relieve pain
–> duration of pain: helps us determine whether we need long acting agents or as needed boluses for situation pain
–> account for home pain regimens: make sure underdosing isnt occurring in pts that receive high doses at home
Common meds: fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine, oxycodone
FAST HUGS BID: Sedation
-pts in the ICU have multiple reasons to become agitated: anxiety, pain, lack of homeostasis, withdrawal, benzo use, sleep-wake cycle disruption
-sedative admin optimizes patient comfort and minimizes the acute stress response
FAST HUGS BID: Sedation - assessment and drug use
-sedation should be assessed and reassessed with a validated tool such as RASS or SAS
-propofol and dexmedetomide are the preferred sedative agents over continuous benzos as they have been associated with more delirium and neurocognitive implications
FAST HUGS BID: Thromboembolism Prophylaxis- importance & considerations
Importance: critically-ill pts have been shown to be at higher risk for VTE than general medical patients due to the additional risk factors for VTE acquired in the critical care setting
Considerations:
–> VTE prophylaxis should be given to ALL pts in the ICU
–> most common options: low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin 40 mg SQ daily or 30 mg AQ BID) or unfractionated heparin in pts with renal dysfunction ( 500 units SQ Q8H)
-high risk pts: mechanical prophylaxis with graduated compression stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression devices should be initiated
FAST HUGS BID: head of the bed : ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) prophylaxis
-importance: specific to pts receiving mechanical ventilation: elevating the head and thorax above the bed to a 30-45 degree angle reduces the occurrence of GI reflux and nosocomial pneumonia in pts who are receiving mechanical ventilation
–> maintain the head of the bed elevated at 30-45 degrees, apply antiseptic mouthwash (chlorhexidine 0.12%) topically to the oral cavity TID to maintain pts oral hygiene to prevent bacterial growth with the endotracheal tube
FAST HUGS BID: ulcer prophylaxis- importance
-critically ill pts develop stress-related mucosal damage (SRDM), potentially leading to clinically significant bleeding
(SRMD: an acute erosive, inflammatory upper GI insult to the upper GI tract associated with critical illness)
FAST HUGS BID: ulcer prophylaxis - risk factors for GI bleeding
–> major (need 1): mechanical ventilation > 48 hrs or INR > 1.5, PTT > 2x ULN or platelets < 50,000
–> minor (need 2 or more): drugs that increase bleed risk (steroids, warfarin, heparin), shock/sepsis/hypotension/vasopressors, hepatic/renal failure, multiple traumas, burns > 35% total body, organ transplant, head or spinal trauma, hx of upper GI bleeding or peptic ulcer disease
Drugs to use for prophylaxis: PPIs (pantoprazole), H2RAs (famotidine) - continue until risk factors have resolved
FAST HUGS BID: glycemic control
-hyperglycemia is common in critically ill pts due to meds (steroids, BBs, vasopressors), exogenous glucose (TPN)
-maintaining blood glucose at 140-180 mg/dL should be considered in the acutely ill patient
FAST HUGS BID: Spontaneous breathing trial
-a spontaneous breathing trial is performed on pts on mechanical ventilation and assesses the pts ability to breathe on minimal or no ventilatory support and is designed to assess whether the pts respiratory mechanics are favorable enough to consider liberation from mechanical ventilation
–> should be performed daily to determine a pts extubation readiness with the goal of weaning off of mechanical ventilatory support as early as possible
FAST HUGS BID: bowel regimen
-constipation can occur in many pts: regimen options = docusate, sennosides, polyethylene glycol for standing regimens, bisacodyl suppositories, enemas, magnesium citrate for rescue options
-diarrhea can also occur: infection, feeds, aggressive bowel regimen
FAST HUGS BID: indwelling Catheters:
-important to assess lines at least daily for signs of infection
-assessing the need for these lines or if they can be removed
peripheral venous catheters
a catheter placed into a peripheral vein for venous access to administer IV therapy
centeral venous catheters
lines that terminate in the superior vena cava, just above the right atrium
arterial lines
catheters that are placed into the lumen of an artery to provide a continuous display or accurate blood pressure and access frequent arterial blood sampling
foley catheters
a flexible tube that passes through the urethra and into the bladder to drain urine
rectal tubes
a soft catheter inserted into the rectum for fecal management to contain and divert fecal waste
FAST HUGS BID: De-escalation of antibiotics
-broad spectrum antibiotics are common in critical care units
-applying standard antimicrobial stewardship principles should be standard of care in the critical care setting
–> de-escalating antibiotics as appropriate based on culture results
–> setting appropriate antibiotic duration to avoid under or overuse of antibiotics
–> providing necessary dose adjustments based on PK changes
hypertensive crisis
an acute condition of very high BP with with either SBP > 180, DBP > 120, or both
hypertensive urgency
pts with acute condition of very high blood pressure without evidence of new or worsening target organ damage
hypertensive emergency
pts with acute condition of very high blood pressure and evidence of new or worsening target organ damage
risk factors for HTN crisis
-female sex
-obesity
-hypertensive/coronary heart disease
-presence of a somatoform disorder
-higher number of antihypertensive agents at baseline
common causes of hypertensive crisis
-non-adherence with prescribed rx
-abrupt withdrawal of certain antihypertensives = rebound hypertension (clonidine, BBs)
-substance abuse (cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy)
-drug-drug interactions (serotonin syndrome)
-drug-food interactions (tyramine containing foods with monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
-drug-disease state interactions (NSAIDs, sympathomimetics in pts with HTN)
-withdrawal (alcohol, opioids, benzos)
Symptoms of hypertensive crisis
-headache
-nausea
-vomiting
-epistaxis
-SOB
-chest pain
-dizziness
-paresthesia
-vision changes
Signs of hypertensive crisis
-focal neurological deficits
-crackles on lung auscultation
-increased Scr/BUN, LFTs
-new/worsening hematuria/proteinuria
-EKG changes
-changes on fundoycopic examination of the eye
-changes on CT of the head (bleed)
-MRI evidence of CVA
Management of hypertensive urgency
-lower blood pressure slowly during the first 24-48 hrs using oral medication
-no need for ICU admission
Management of hypertensive EMERGENCY: 1st hour
requires IV antihypertensives and ICU admission
-decrease DBP by 10-15% or MAP by 25% with goal DBP > 100
Management of hypertensive EMERGENCY: 2-6 hrs, 6-24 hrs & 24-48 hrs
2-6: SBP 160 and/or DBP 100-110
6-24: maintain above goals
24-48: gradually decrease BP to normal (outpatient goal)
Management of hypertensive EMERGENCY: aortic dissection
-SBP < 120 within 1st hour, HR < 60
meds: esmolol then nicardipine
Management of hypertensive EMERGENCY: ischemic stroke
BP < 185/110 before tPA and < 180/105 during tPA infusion
-if no tPA SBP < 220
Meds: nicardipine, clevidipine, labetalol
avoid sodium nitroprusside
Management of hypertensive EMERGENCY: hemorrhagic stroke
SBP > 220: lower with infusion and monitor
SBP 150-220: < 140 in 60 mins
Meds: clevidipine, labetalol, nicardipine
avoid sodium nitroprusside
Management of hypertensive EMERGENCY: severe Pre-eclampsia or Eclampsia
SBP < 140 in 60 mins
Meds: hydralazine, labetalol, nicardipine
avoid RASS inhibitors and sodium nitroprusside
Meds used in hypertensive emergencies: sodium nitroprusside
-onset less than 2 mins, 1-10 min duration
-AEs: hypotension (potent), N/V, muscle twitching, cyanide toxicity
-caution in pts with high intracranial pressure, azotemia, CKD
Meds used in hypertensive emergencies: nitroglycerin
-immediate onset, 3-5 min duration
-AEs: hypotension, headache, methemoglobinemia, tolerance with prolonged use
-most often utilized in situations with coronary ischemia
Meds used in hypertensive emergencies: hydralazine
last line
-IV bolus, 10-80 min onset and up to 12 hr duration
-AEs: hypotension, tachycardia, flushing, headache
-concern with its unpredictable PK profile
-safe for use in pregnancy
Meds used in hypertensive emergencies: Labetalol
-most HTN emergencies, safe to use in pregnancy, caution in acute HF
AEs: hypotension, bradycardia/heart block, orthostatic hypotension
Meds used in hypertensive emergencies: Metoprolol
-only given as a bolus, caution in acute HF
AEs: hypotension, bradycardia/heart block
Meds used in hypertensive emergencies: esmolol
-drug of choice in aortic dissection, caution use in acute HF
AEs: hypotension, bradycardia/heart block
Meds used in hypertensive emergencies: clevidipine
-most hypertensive emergencies, caution with coronary ischemia CI with soy/egg allergy
AEs: hypotension, headache, tachycardia, hypertriglyceridemia
Meds used in hypertensive emergencies: Nicardapine
-most hypertensive emergencies
-not generally utilized in acute HF, caution with coronary ischemia
AEs: hypotension, tachycardia, headache, flushing, local phlebitis
Meds used in hypertensive emergencies: enalaprilat
rare usage
-use in caution with acute HF, AVOID in acute MI, eclampasia, AKI
Meds used in hypertensive emergencies: Fenoldopam
rare usage
dopamine receptor agonist
-avoid in pts with glaucoma (due to increased intraoccular pressure)
AEs: hypotension, tachycardia, headache, nausea, flushing
DKA + HHS
both have increased concentration of catecholamines, cortisol, glucagon and growth hormone –> leads to hyperglycemia via dec in glucose utilization, inc gluconeogenesis and inc glycogenolysis
Precipitanting factors of DKA/HHS
-infections (UTIS and pneumonia)
-#2 myocardial infarction
-medications (steroids)
-noncompliance with therapy
-poor “sick day” management
-pancreatitis
-drug/alcohol abuse
-inadequate dose of d/c of insulin
-new onset type 1 DM
Clinical Presentation of DKA
-onset: hours to days
-clinical pic: kussmaul respirations, N/V, abdominal pain
-glucose: > 250
-acidosis: < 7.3
-anion gap: > 12
-ketones: positive
-serum osmolality: < 320
Clinical Presentation of HHS
-onset: several days to weeks
-clinical picture: neurologic manifestations (seizures, hemiparesis)
-glucose: > 600
-acidosis: normal
-anion gap: variable
-ketones: negative
-serum osmolality: > 320
Treatment of DKA/HHS: fluid management
-initial: 15-20 ml/kg for the first hour
Severe hypovolemia: NS @ 1 l/hr
Mild dehydration:
–> Na+ normal or high: 0.45% NaCl (250-500 ml/hr)
–> Na+ low: 0.9% NaCl (250-500 ml/hr)
Cardiogeniic shock: utilize pressors and monitor hemodynamic closely
Treatment of DKA/HHS: fluid management & glucose levels
-when DKA BG: 200 and HHS BG 300 change to 0.45% NaCl/D5W at 150-250 ml/hr
Treatment of DKA/HHS: Insulin therapy
-regular infusions are the mainstay of treatment
can do: 0.1 unit/kg as IV bolus –> 0.1 unit/kg/he infusion OR 0.14 unit/kg/hr as an IV infusion (no bolus)
-decrease infusion rate to 0.02-0.05 unitd/kg/hr when DKA < 200, HHS < 300
GOAL BG: DKA: 150-200, HHS 200-300
Treatment of DKA/HHS: transition from IV to SQ insulin
-when pt shows resolution of crisis & able to eat: initiate SQ basal insulin and overlap with IV infusion for 1-2 hrs
–> HX of DM with insulin: PTA dosing if it was controlling their diabetic properly (however usually started off at a decreased dose)
–> insulin naiive: multidose regimen with basal and bolus started at a dose of 0.5-0.8 units/kg/day
Resolutions definitions: DKA and HHS
DKA: blood glucose < 200 AND 2 of the following: serum bicarb level > 15, venous pH > 7.3, anion gap < 12
HHS: normal osmolality AND normal mental status
Treatment of DKA/HHS: potassium management
*check K+ before initiating insulin therapy
-K+ < 3.3: HOLD insulin and replete @ 20-30 mEq/hr until the K+ > 3.3
-K+ 3.3-5.3: 20-30 mEq K+ should be given with every L of fluid
-K+ > 5.2: do not give until it falls below the upper limit of normal
Treatment of DKA/HHS: bicarbonate
only indicated in pts with a pH < 6.9: 100 mmol sodium bicarb ( 2 amplules) in 400 mL of H2O + 20 mEq of Kcl over 2 hrs
-repeat q2h until pH > 7
Treatment of DKA/HHS: Phosphate
-insulin therapy decreases serum phosphate as it causes a shift in phosphate
-careful phosphate replacement (20-30 mEq/l potassium phosphate added to replacement fluids) is indicated in: cardiac dysfunction, anemia, respiratory depression, serum phosphate concentration < 1.0 mg/dl
Complications of hyperglycemia crises
-hypoglycemia: glucose should be monitored q 1-2 hrs while in insulin IV infusion
-hypokalemia: BMPs should be monitored q 4-6 hrs while insulin infusion is running
-hyperchloremic non-anion gap metabolic acidosis: secondary to excess infusion of chloride containing fluids during tx
-cerebral edema: occurs in 1-3% of DKA episodes in children, prevent by avoidance of excessive hydration and rapid reduction of plasma osmolarity. treatment: mannitol infusion and mechanical ventilation
Opioid treatment for analgesia: Morphine
-onset is 5-10 min, can give bolus and infusion
-active metabolites & accumulates in renal impairment –> longer duration throughout the day
AEs: histamine release: hypotension, bronchospasm, urticaria
Opioid treatment for analgesia: Fentanyl
-onset in seconds, with 1-2 hours duration
-hepatic metabolism, CYP3A4 interactions
-can lead to tachyphylaxis: pt developed a resistance to drug –> switch to hydromorphone
Opioid treatment for analgesia: hydromorphone
-5 min onset with 2-4hr duration
-good in renal impairment, option for fentanyl tolerance
-available as patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
Opioid treatment for analgesia: additional options
-acetaminophen: caution in acute liver failure
-NSAID: caution in acute kidney injury, increase risk of GI bleed
-methadone: slow titration to avoid QTC prolongation
-gabapentin
-ketamine
-patient centered analgesia (PCAs)
Richmond agitation sedation scale (RASS)
0: calm and alert
-1: drowsy
-2: light sedation
Sedation agitation scale (SAS)
4: calm and co-operative
3: sedated
Propofol
-stimulates GABA and inhibits NMDA receptors
-has hypnotic, anxiolytic, amnestic and anticonvulsant effects
-NO analgesic properties
-duration of action: 10-15 min (rapid hepatic and extra-hepatic clearance
-long term admin can lead to saturation of peripheral tissues (highly lipid soluble)
Propofol AEs
-respiratory depression
-hypotension
-bradycardia
-decrease cardiac output
-hypertriglyceridemia (acute pancreatitis)
-propofol related infusion syndrome (PRIS)
Propofol uses and clinical pearls
-potentially 1st line agent in: severe alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus
-lipid emulsion therefore can provide 1.1 kcal/ml of nutrition
-avoid in patients with egg, sulfites, or soybean allergies
-monitor for BP, HR, triglycerides, anoin gap/lactate and CKD when using > 48 hrs
Dexmedetomidine
-decreases release of norepinephrine and dopamine in CNS (alpha-2 adrenergic agonist)
-FDA approve for procedural sedation and sedation for mechanical ventilation NOT > 24 HRS
-has sedative and analgesic properties
AEs: bradycardia, hypotension
Dexmedetomidine benefits
-no respiratory depression
-effects are similar to naturally occurring sleep
-opioid - sparing effects
-useful as adjunct therapy for alcohol withdrawal
Dexmedetomidine drawbacks
-risk of hypotension
-RASS score of -3 or less is unlikely (not for someone that needs heavy sedation)
-risk of withdrawal with prolonged use
-drug induced fever?
Benzos used for sedation: midazolam
-2-5 min onset, 1-2 hr duration
-lipophilic, active metabolites, accumulates in renal impairment
–> primary use for status epilepticus
Benzos used for sedation: Lorazepam
-5-20 min onset, 2-6 hr duration
-propylene glycol acidosis
-can use in renal/hepatic failure