Evolving role of the pharmacist in critical care.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to D M Angaran.
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A process for selecting and evaluating indicators for use in monitoring the quality of patient care is described. An indicator is a quantitative measure that provides information and reveals ways in which care could be improved. It is a specific set of conditions whose presence signals that the care being provided should be examined. A sample medication-use outcome indicator is discussed to illustrate the steps of indicator evaluation in a paradigm proposed by the National Demonstration Project on Quality Improvement in Health Care. Indicators must be selected according to the needs of the institution: the frequency with which the set of conditions is likely to occur, the risk involved, and the institution's goals and capabilities. Documented data on the indicator must exist and must be adequate for evaluation of care. Analysis and interpretation of the data and a plan for using the information are discussed. For the use of indicators to succeed in improving the quality of care, the total institution must be committed to the process. Pharmacy quality assurance efforts need to move from evaluation of the use of specific drugs (i.e., focus on the product) to continuous measuring, monitoring, and quality improvement.
The ultimate goal of therapeutic intervention in a critically ill patient is to maintain oxygen homeostasis where delivery of oxygen to the cells is greater than, or at least equal to, the oxygen demand of the cells. Oxygen demand varies from organ to organ. Total body oxygen demand is the sum of all oxygen required by all tissues and organs for aerobic cellular function. Oxygen consumption (VO2) is the quantity of oxygen actually used by the cells. VO2 may be calculated if the values of cardiac output (CO), hemoglobin concentration, and arterial and venous oxygen saturations (SaO2 and SvO2, respectively) are known. Under normal circumstances, the quantities of oxygen demanded and oxygen consumed are equal, but in situations of inadequate oxygen delivery, oxygen demand may not be satisfied and the quantity of oxygen actually consumed will be governed by the quantity delivered. This then may result in an oxygen deficit and, ultimately, cellular death. This article discusses the principles of oxygen homeostasis, techniques for measuring VO2, CO, and SvO2, and the relevance of these principles and techniques to clinical practice.
The chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, hemodynamic and electrophysiologic effects, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions, compatibility and stability, dosage, and administration of esmolol hydrochloride are reviewed. Esmolol produces competitive blockade of beta receptors in both animals and humans. It does not possess membrane-stabilizing, intrinsic sympathomimetic, or alpha-adrenergic blocking activity. The relative cardioselectivity of esmolol is similar to that of metoprolol. Esterase metabolism accounts for the rapid total body clearance of 285 mL/kg/min and elimination half-life of 9.2 minutes. Its rapid metabolism following continuous intravenous infusion results in the rapid offset of pharmacologic effect after drug administration is discontinued. In patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, esmolol produces rapid control of heart rate in an average effective dosage range from 97.2 to 115.0 micrograms/kg/min and effects that are similar to propranolol. Esmolol is effective and safe in managing tachycardia and hypertension during surgical stress and may be useful in postoperative hypertension or elevated heart rates during myocardial ischemia. Esmolol does not appear to interact with digoxin, morphine, warfarin, or succinylcholine to any clinically important extent. The most frequent adverse effects associated with esmolol infusion are hypotension and phlebitis. Hypotension can be avoided by careful titration, and if encountered, it can be rapidly resolved by dosage adjustment or discontinuation of the infusion. The ultrashort half-life and duration of action of esmolol may allow safer application of beta blockade in critically ill patients.
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The side effects and adverse reactions associated with the use of positive pressure volume cycle ventilators are described with a focus on information the pharmacist needs to know to monitor patient drug therapy. Mechanical ventilation is discussed with regard to pulmonary and blood gases, infections, cardiovascular effects, renal-fluid status, metabolic considerations, central nervous system effects, gastrointestinal effects, musculo-skeletal reactions, discontinuance of mechanical ventilation and the use of inhalation drugs.
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