Sedation and Paralysis in Emergency

Sedation and Paralysis in Emergency

Sedation and Paralysis in Emergency

On this page

Indications & Goals - Setting the Stage

  • Objective: Ensure patient safety and comfort; facilitate emergency procedures via controlled sedation/paralysis.
  • Indications & Primary Goals:

⭐ RSI is the most frequent ED indication for neuromuscular blockade.

Sedative Superstars - Calm & Composed

Choice depends on patient stability, procedure, and desired sedation depth. Emergency Sedatives: Side Effects and Contraindications

SedativeOnset (IV)DurationKey Pro(s)Key Con(s)RSI Dose (IV)
Midazolam1-5 min30-60mAnxiolysis, Amnesia, Anticonvulsant; ReversibleResp dep, Hypotension (esp. w/ opioids)0.1-0.3 mg/kg
Propofol<1 min5-10mRapid on/off, Antiemetic, Reduces ICPHypotension, Apnea, Resp dep, Pain on inj, PRIS1.5-2.5 mg/kg
Ketamine1-2 min10-20mAnalgesia, Bronchodilation, Preserves reflexesEmergence reactions, ↑Secretions, Laryngospasm1-2 mg/kg
Etomidate<1 min5-15mCardiostable, Minimal BP changeAdrenal suppression (even 1 dose), Myoclonus, N/V0.2-0.3 mg/kg
  • Titrate to effect; monitor vitals closely during and after administration.

Paralytic Powerhouses - Motionless Mastery

Key agents for RSI muscle relaxation. Depolarizing vs. Non-depolarizing.

AgentClassOnset (IV)DurationDose (IV)Key Features & ⚠️ Cautions
SuccinylcholineDepolarizing30-60s5-10 min1-1.5 mg/kgRapid; ⚠️ HyperK+ (burns, crush, neuro), fasciculations, ↑IOP/ICP, Malignant Hyperthermia (MH)
RocuroniumNon-depolar.60-90s30-60 min0.6-1.2 mg/kgFastest NDMR; Sugammadex reversal available
VecuroniumNon-depolar.2-3 min45-60 min0.1 mg/kgLonger onset; stable hemodynamics; powder
CisatracuriumNon-depolar.2-3 min40-60 min0.15-0.2 mg/kgHoffman elim. (good for organ failure); less histamine release

📌 SCh: "Sux" for Short action. Roc: "Rocks" for Rapid Onset (among NDMRs).

Depolarizing vs Non-depolarizing Neuromuscular Blockers

RSI Rendezvous - Airway Aces

  • Pre-treatment (Optional): 📌 LOAD (Lidocaine, Opioid, Atropine, Defasciculator).
  • Induction Agents (Sedatives):
    • Etomidate: 0.3 mg/kg IV; hemodynamically stable.
    • Ketamine: 1-2 mg/kg IV; bronchodilator, ↑BP/HR.
    • Propofol: 1.5-2.5 mg/kg IV; rapid on/off, ↓BP.
  • Paralytic Agents (Neuromuscular Blockers):
    • Succinylcholine: 1-1.5 mg/kg IV; depolarizing, rapid onset (<60s), short duration.
    • Rocuronium: 0.6-1.2 mg/kg IV; non-depolarizing, longer duration.

⭐ Avoid Succinylcholine in crush injuries, extensive burns (>24-48h), or denervating neuromuscular diseases due to life-threatening hyperkalemia risk.

Monitoring & Mayhem - Watchful Vigilance

  • Vitals: Continuous ECG, HR, BP, SpO₂, EtCO₂ (essential for ventilation).
  • Sedation Level: RASS/Ramsay scales (e.g., RASS target -2 to -4).
  • Paralysis (NMB): Train-of-Four (TOF) count; aim for 1-2 twitches.
    • Use peripheral nerve stimulator (ulnar/facial nerve).
  • Adverse Events:
    • Hypotension, hypoxemia/apnea.
    • Aspiration.
    • Awareness during paralysis.
    • Hyperkalemia (succinylcholine).

⭐ TOF ratio >0.9 indicates adequate recovery from NMB, crucial before extubation. Pulse oximeter and vital signs monitor

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • RSI (Rapid Sequence Intubation) is crucial for emergency airway management.
  • Etomidate for hemodynamic instability; Ketamine for bronchospasm/hypotension.
  • Succinylcholine: fastest onset/offset paralytic, risk of hyperkalemia (burns, crush injuries).
  • Rocuronium: common non-depolarizing agent; Sugammadex for rapid reversal.
  • Effective pre-oxygenation (100% O2, 3-5 min) prevents desaturation during apnea.
  • Waveform capnography (ETCO2): gold standard for confirming ETT placement.
  • Difficult airway assessment (e.g., LEMON) is vital before RSI.

Practice Questions: Sedation and Paralysis in Emergency

Test your understanding with these related questions

What is the definition of conscious sedation?

1 of 5

Flashcards: Sedation and Paralysis in Emergency

1/10

What is the next treatment step of opioid intoxication after airway maintenance?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

What is the next treatment step of opioid intoxication after airway maintenance?_____

Administering Naloxone

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial