Note: In addition to today’s resource, every clinician responsible for emergency care should purchase and carefully review PressorDex®: Critical Care Medications Guide, 5th Edition, 2024. It is an outstanding resource to always have immediately available.
EM Note is an outstanding podcast series. You can access the complete list (currently 683) at EM Note Podcast.
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This lecture outlines the pharmacological strategies used to treat hemodynamic instability and shock by restoring adequate blood flow to vital organs. It categorizes life-saving medications into vasopressors, which constrict blood vessels to raise blood pressure, and inotropes, which enhance the heart’s pumping strength. By targeting specific cellular receptors, these drugs address different medical emergencies ranging from septic shock to heart failure. The source emphasizes that norepinephrine is the primary treatment for most cases, while other agents like vasopressin or dobutamine are selected based on the patient’s unique needs. Finally, the text highlights critical safety protocols, such as utilizing central venous access and monitoring for tissue necrosis caused by accidental drug leakage.
