Decadron
Name two respiratory complaints treated with this medication
Croup and Asthma Exacerbation
How does magesium sulfate help with asthma exacerbation?
Magnesium is a smooth muscle relaxer. It will help relax constricted airway muscles and reduce inflammation.
What is the dose of compazine for pediatric patients? What is the max?
0.15 mg/kg as a single dose, max dose of 10mg/dose
How does decadron work to improve symptoms in these patients?
It is a long-acting corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in airways
What is the dose of magnesium sulfate for asthma exacerbation and migraine?
50mg/kg with a max of 2g
What lab needs to be ordered prior to administration?
Urine POC
0.6 mg/kg, max of 12mg
How fast do you administer magnesium sulfate in a patient experiencing asthma exacerbation? What about migraine?
Asthma: 20 minutes
Migraine: 60 minutes
Describe the dilution process for compazine.
Mix full vial of compazine (10mg/2ml) with 8ml of normal saline to create a 10mg/10ml (1mg/1ml) concentration.
Ex: Patient dose is 5mg. After dilution, you will administer 5ml of the 1mg/1ml solution.
Your asthma patient is requiring decadron and a continuous albuterol treatment. When is the appropriate time to give the steroid?
Initiate ASAP! Systemic anti-inflammatory response will start within 1 hour. You may give before breathing treatment or during. You do not have to wait for treatment to be completed prior to giving decadron.
What side effect/vital sign should be closely monitored when administering magnesium sulfate?
Hypotension. Frequent blood pressure checks should be done. Historically, we check every 5 min during administration in an asthma patient. Medication review suggests a frequency of at least every 10-15 minutes in other patients.
Describe common side effects of compazine
Hypotension and extrapyramidal reactions - overwhelming feeling of agitation, uncontrollable urge to fidget and move around, inability to sit still, often accompanied by anxiety and panic.
How fast should you push IV decadron? What side effect might occur if you push IV decadron too quickly?
Push over 5 minutes. May cause intense perineal itching, burning and irritation
Slow or stop the medication
Advocate for IV fluids
Assure proper positioning of patient during reading. False low read can occur if patient is on their side.
How fast should you administer compazine? What other medication should be given to reduce side effects?
IV slow push at 1mg/min or bolus over the pump for at least 10 min. Give Benadryl first, then administer Compazine to reduce extrapyramidal symptoms.