Start Peripheral Vasopressors Early in Shock!

It has been dogmatically believed that prolonged infusion of any vasopressor mandates placement of a central line.  However, available evidence doesn’t support this.

  1. Diluted solutions of all catecholamines are safe (except Vasopressin) to be administered peripherally via a well functioning 18-20G IV or larger in forearm (no hand/wrist/AC) .
  2. No old IVs (>72 hrs)
  3. Know how to treat extravasation
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Size does matter

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If you want to get big water into your patient, observe the following recommendations:

  1. Gauge is king. Choose the fattest tube you can stick into the patient.
  2. When it comes to catheter length, it’s not the size… it’s how you use it. Shorter catheter lengths mean less resistance.
  3. Consider plugging your drip set directly into the catheter hub instead of using a needle-free adapter or saline lock. The aforementioned study reports significant loss of flow through these types of connectors.
  4. Optimize the pressure difference between the bag and the vein. Place the bag high above the patient and use a compression sleeve, if indicated.

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I’m just drunk NOT vitamin deficient so stop with the ‘bananas’

Most of our intoxicated patients are not vitamin deficient and don’t need supplementation. The real kicker is that we almost never really try to find out if the patient might be a chronic abuser and potentially at risk. We just hang the bag. Remember, everything we do in medicine has a potential downside. And if the patient really doesn’t need a banana bag in the first place, there is no benefit to balance that risk. The next time you ask for that little yellow bag, think again!