Nursing care in the administration of vasoactive drugs in the intensive care patient

Abstract

Introduction: In Intensive Care Units, critically ill patients require the use of vasoactive drugs, which are medications that modify vascular tone, heart rate, and myocardial contractility with the aim of improving tissue perfusion and oxygenation in the critically ill patient. The nursing staff who administer these medications must have a thorough knowledge of the necessary care during administration to ensure patient recovery, as any error could have serious consequences. Methodology: A literature review was conducted with a qualitative and descriptive approach. The search and selection of literature were carried out in the Google Scholar, PubMed, Scielo, Dialnet, and Lilacs databases, identifying a total of 13 articles published between 2019 and 2024. Results and Discussion: The management of critically ill patients demands a comprehensive understanding of vasoactive drugs by nursing professionals. The literature review reveals a lack of standardised protocols for their preparation. Given the importance of the nursing role in the administration of these drugs, the need for continuous training to prevent errors is emphasised. Regarding the choice of drugs, noradrenaline is positioned as the first-line treatment in most clinical conditions, while inotropes, with dobutamine as the main example, are indicated in cases of impaired myocardial function. Conclusion: Continuous training and the use of up-to-date protocols are vital for safe, high-quality care to minimise errors in the administration of these high-risk medications.