ICU Masterclass: Inotropes and Vasopressors

Emergency medicine and critical care

Video course

by Christopher R. Tainter, MD

Hemodynamic support for unstable patients can be a daunting process. In this course, you’ll learn a systematic, hands-on approach for the use of vasopressors and inotropes. You’ll discover why one size does not fit all and learn about the underlying mechanisms of action of these agents so you can safely and effectively use the appropriate agent for each unique patient.

1h 2m

4 Quizzes

2 CME

What’s in it for you?

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After completing this course, you will be able to

Master a variety of vasopressors and inotropic agents.
Identify the mechanism of action of these agents.
Recognize the relative advantages and disadvantages of different agents.
Choose an agent and dosage appropriate for any clinical scenario.
Identify different types of shock and physiology.
Use hemodynamic monitoring to direct therapy.
Assess the efficacy of your interventions.
Develop a rational approach to hemodynamic support.

What's inside

Free

Chapter 1

Physiologic effects of vasoactive agents

In this chapter, you’ll learn about the mechanisms, applications, and targets of vasoactive agents as well as how to monitor vasoactivity.

6 lessons

12m

Physiologic effects of vasoactive agents intro

Introducing inotropes and vasopressors

Differentiating the types of shock

Performing vasoactive monitoring

Deciphering vasoactive receptors

Appreciating myocyte contraction

Physiologic effects of vasoactive agents quiz

Quiz

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Chapter 2

Inotropes and vasopressors

Know which vasoactive agent to use and when. Here, you’ll cover applications, administration, and dosing as well as pros and cons of each.

12 lessons

24m

Inotropes and vasopressors intro

Mastering catecholamine-based vasopressors

Grasping catecholamine-based inotropes

Appreciating indirect-acting agents

Reviewing vasopressin

Describing angiotensin II

Administering phosphodiesterase inhibitors

Using calcium-based agents for shock

Employing insulin and glucagon for shock

Using methylene blue and hydroxocobalamin for shock

Recognizing steroids as adjuncts to vasopressor therapy

Choosing parasympatholytic agents wisely

Inotropes and vasopressors quiz

Quiz

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Chapter 3

Special clinical situations

One size does not fit all when it comes to vasoactive agents. In this chapter, you’ll cover their use in specific clinical scenarios.

8 lessons

19m

Special clinical situations intro

Managing cardiogenic shock

Treating distributive shock

Handling valvular disease

Managing right ventricular dysfunction

Treating diastolic dysfunction

Augmenting mechanical circulatory support

Coping with toxic overdose

Special clinical situations quiz

Quiz

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Chapter 4

Putting it together

Wrap up the course with a lowdown on practical approaches for the use of inotropic and vasopressor agents and how to assess effectiveness.

5 lessons

Putting it together intro

Approaching undifferentiated hypotension

Administering vasopressors

Assessing the effectiveness of your interventions

Putting it together quiz

Quiz

ICU Masterclass—Inotropes and Vasopressors outro

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Teachers of this course

Christopher R. Tainter, MD

Dr. Tainter is a retired Clinical Professor from the Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care, at the University of California San Diego (USCD).

Teacher Profile

Medmastery

Nora Drenaline

Emergency medicine and critical care

Claim your certificate

All members receive a certificate for completing this course. For Pro members, the certificate comes with 2 CME credits.

CME accredited

All our courses and workshops are fully CME accredited. We provide USA AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and European CME credits (ECMEC®s). Pro members can download their CME certificates upon successful completion of activities. Want to transfer these credits to your national system? No problem.

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CME at its best

Award-winning teaching method

Winner of the Comenius EduMedia Medal
For outstanding digital education—Berlin 2013
Highly commended by the British Medical Association
Awarded in the digital category of the BMA Book Awards—London 2017
Winner of the Comenius EduMedia Seal
For outstanding digital education—Berlin 2017
Internationally accredited
CME accredited in the USA and EU with mutual recognition agreements in most other countries.
Trusted institutional partner
Used by residency programs and universities around the world to train their clinicians and students.
Top-rated by our learners
Rated excellent by hundreds of users on Trustpilot, an independent reviewing platform.

What’s in it for you?

Master the most important skills

Learn any skill in under 5 hours

Save time and money

After completing this course, you will be able to

What's inside

Physiologic effects of vasoactive agents

Inotropes and vasopressors

Special clinical situations

Putting it together

Claim your certificate

CME accredited

Winner of the Comenius EduMedia Medal

Highly commended by the British Medical Association

Winner of the Comenius EduMedia Seal

Internationally accredited

Trusted institutional partner

Top-rated by our learners