28. Safety of prehospital intravenous bolus dose nitroglycerin in patients with acute pulmonary edema: A 4-year review

A simple improvised prehospital method to warm intravenous fluid

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CEUs: 2 Clinical

Average read time: 20to 35 minutes

Short Summary of the Article:

The article, titled “Safety of Prehospital Intravenous Bolus Dose Nitroglycerin in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Edema: A 4-Year Review,” focuses on evaluating the safety of using intravenous bolus nitroglycerin (NTG) in prehospital settings for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and acute pulmonary edema (APE). The study involved a retrospective analysis of EMS data over four years, examining patients with hypertensive CHF and APE who received intravenous NTG. The research aimed to assess adverse events, including hypotension, syncope, vomiting, and dysrhythmia, and measure the efficacy of this approach in reducing blood pressure and improving oxygen saturation. The findings support the safety of using bolus intravenous NTG, with minimal adverse effects reported and significant improvements in patient outcomes.

Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this activity, you should have an understanding of:

1. The safety profile of intravenous bolus nitroglycerin in prehospital settings for treating hypertensive patients with CHF and acute pulmonary edema, with a focus on reducing preload and afterload.
2. The clinical benefits of using bolus intravenous nitroglycerin, demonstrated by improvements in blood pressure and oxygen saturation, without significant adverse effects like hypotension or dysrhythmia.
3. The potential for intravenous NTG to be integrated into prehospital care protocols, offering a valuable treatment option for managing acute heart failure with pulmonary edema in emergency medical services (EMS).

(Max of 3 Attempts)