Patients' characterization in use of vasoactive drugs hospitalized in intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective: to characterize the patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) in the use of vasoactive drugs (VAD). Method: a retrospective study with a quantitative approach. The sample is comprised by 85 patients admitted to the ICU of a municipal hospital, in Fortaleza, Ceará. Data collection was conducted in March and April 2011 through consultation of the nursing report. Results: prevalence of female patients (55,3%), with age average of 70 years. The most common diagnosis was stroke (29,4%), followed by lung disease (23,5%). It is noteworthy that 89,4% required invasive mechanical ventilation, 98,9% used a nasogastric tube and 92,9% an urinary catheter, 92,9% used central venous access and 90.6% had antibiotic treatments. Regarding blood pressure, only 4,9% showed normal readings; noradrenaline was the most used VAD (67,1%), followed by dopamine (35.3%). Regarding evolution, 64,7% patients died. Conclusion: the patient in severe condition shows specificities in care that require particular knowledge of the nursing staff, in order to achieve a quality assistance.