VS frequency and vasoactive drips

[sjrichar]

I started a new job in ICU. We do not have a standard practice for frequency of VS for patients on vasoactive drips. I would like to know what some other ICUs do. Other places I have worked check VS Q 5-15 minutes when titrating, then Q 30-60 minutes when stablized on a dose. Our current administration is recommending Q 5 minutes period.

[tish44]

in our icu q5mins is reasonable to start with until the pt appears to be stabilizing..then you can go to q15 and onward according to your judgement about the pt's stability. However if your policy is q5min then do that only and bring it up in the policy proc commitee venue for possible revision. policy is policy..cya.

[thompd]

When initiating a vasoactive drip it is practice in our hospital to document VS every 5minutes during titration. Once a patient is stable Q15min is appropriate; once the patient has been on it for hours and stable, Q1 hour is performed. When weaning a patient off a vasoactive drip our hospital requires VS Q15-30 minutes. I would recommend following the hospital policy when it comes to all nursing practice. If you feel it should be changed get on a committee or talk to whoever in your hospital is in charge of policies to have it looked at again and possible changed.