Vasopressor stewardship: a case report and lesson shared

A case report, focused on vasopressor use and presented in this article, is likely to resonate with many critical care nurses. In this article the authors describe opportunities to enhance safety with vasopressor therapy. Specifically, the goal of improving communication among physicians, nurses, and pharmacists around desired endpoints for vasopressor therapy, triggers for reassessment of the therapeutic strategy and cause of the patient's shock was identified as an area for improvement. A form piloted within an organization for use during multidisciplinary rounds and key findings is shared. Vasopressors constitute the mainstay of therapy for nearly every hemodynamically unstable patient in critical care. It is hoped that the lessons and information shared help empower critical care nurses to facilitate vasopressor stewardship within their facilities and, ultimately, enhance patient safety.