Course Code: REL-ACU-0-UVMOR
Hours: 1.25
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Describe the mechanisms of action, clinical indications, and hemodynamic effects of commonly used vasoactive medications in the perioperative setting.
Identify the most appropriate vasoactive agent for specific intraoperative scenarios based on patient condition and drug characteristics.
Outline:
Section 1: Pharmacology and Pathophysiology
Expect the Unexpected
About This Course
Cardiac Function and Vasoactive Agents
Types of Vasoactive Agents
Clinical Application of Vasoactive Drugs
Hemodynamic Effects of Vasoactive Medications
Knowledge Check
Monitoring and Documentation in Vasoactive Drug Administration
Monitoring Hemodynamic Parameters
Adrenergic Receptors
Physiologic Effects of Adrenergic Stimulation
Sympathomimetic Drugs and Their Structure
Catecholamines
Non-catecholamines
Inotropic and Vasopressor Agents
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Inotropes and Vasopressors
A Word of Caution
Common Inotropes and Vasopressors Agents in the OR
Phenylephrine
Ephedrine
Indications
Epinephrine
Knowledge Check
Other Vasopressors
Dopamine
Outdated Use for Renal Protection
Clinical Considerations
Norepinephrine
Vasopressin
Dobutamine
Milrinone
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Vasodilators and Antiarrhythmics
Direct Vasodilators
Clinical Considerations
Hydralazine
Nitroglycerin
Nitroprusside
Knowledge Check
Beta-Blockers
Mechanism of action
Indications
Drugs and Dosing
Adverse Effects and Monitoring
Guideline Recommendations
Calcium Channel Blockers
Mechanism of Action
Dosing
Adverse Effects and Monitoring
Nicardipine
Clevidipine
Diltiazem
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
ReferencesSubject Matter Expert: Seema Z. Kazmi, PharmD
Dr. Kazmi is a licensed pharmacist in six states and has practiced for over 18 years. She received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, magna cum laude from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences. Her pharmacy experience includes providing medication therapy management services, community pharmacy operations, managed care, hospital pharmacy, public service, consulting in long-term care facilities, fraud, waste, and abuse investigations, and serving as the compliance pharmacist for a state-administered Medicaid pharmacy program. Dr. Kazmi has also held leadership roles on Boards for multiple professional state pharmacy associations.
Writer: Brandy Verton, BSN, RN, CNOR
Brandy is a certified perioperative nurse with a background in both scrub and circulator roles across a variety of surgical specialties. She earned her BSN with summa cum laude honors from Capella University and has served as a Surgical Services Clinical Educator and Periop 101 instructor. Her early clinical experience on a postoperative and medical-surgical overflow unit shaped her commitment to patient-centered care and team collaboration. Throughout her career, she has contributed to hospital committees and process improvement efforts focused on safety, education, and quality outcomes. Brandy is passionate about creating practical, real-world education that helps clinicians feel supported in their work, build confidence in their skills, and continue delivering safe, effective care.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Advanced Practice Nurses; Medical Providers; Nursing Personnel; Pharmacists; in the following settings: Ambulatory Care, Hospitals: Acute, Hospitals: Critical Access (CAHs).
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
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All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.