Ketamine on Med/Surg

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Thu, 12/22/2016 - 10:25
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Erica Fredette
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Joined: 10/29/2014 - 14:32
Ketamine on Med/Surg

We are looking at implementing a guideline regarding ketamine infusions for acute pain crisis (palliative care) as well as post-operatively in reducing narcotic use in chronic opioid patients.

We are still debating the nursing piece and level of monitoring required.

For those of you that use ketamine infusions for these indications:

1. Is ketamine restricted to a particular floor (eg: telemetry)?
2. Can these infusions be adminstered on a med-surg floor?
3. How often are vitals needed?
4. Are nurses able to titrate the doses?

Any other insight you have would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Erica Fredette
Medication Safety Officer
South Shore Hospital

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