Author Question: Which of the following medications warrant monitoring by the assessment referred to as the ... (Read 13 times)

stock · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

Which of the following medications warrant monitoring by the assessment referred to as the train-of-four? I. haloperidol II. aminosteroids III. dexmedetomidine IV. mivacurium

A. IV only
B. I, IV only
C. II, IV only
D. I, II, III only

Question 2

Where does the use of neuromuscular blockade (NMBA) fit in the scheme of patient-ventilator management?

A. If pain cannot be controlled, NMBA should be administered.
B. If sedation of the patient fails to improve patient-ventilator synchrony, NMBA should be given.
C. When attempting to synchronize the ventilator and patient via making ventilator setting adjustments fails, NMBA needs to be used.
D. After all possible efforts have been employed to no avail, NMBA should be used.

Jbrasil · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
A. Incorrect response: See explanation C.
B. Incorrect response: See explanation C.
C. Correct response: The most common means of objective assessment of the degree of neuromuscular blockade in the ICU is peripheral nerve stimulation or twitch monitoring. One of the most reliable means of performing this assessment is by the train-of-four. Four electrical impulses are delivered to a peripheral muscle group, usually the ulnar nerve at the wrist to produce adduction to the thumb.
The standard method is to apply a series of four stimuli in succession and compare the thumb movement in response to the first and fourth stimuli. The total absence of thumb movement is evidence of excessive neuromuscular blockade, whereas absence of a decrement in thumb contractions with repetitive nerve stimulation is evidence of inadequate blockade.
D. Incorrect response: See explanation C.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
B. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
C. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
D. Correct response: Before opting for the use of neuromuscular blockade (NMBA), all other possible modalities should be used. NMBA should only be used as a last resort if the other measures (pain, management, sedation, treatment of delirium) fail to improve the patient's clinical status.