American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Oct 2004
ReviewCharacteristics of anesthetic agents used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.
The characteristics of ideal intravenous (i.v.) and inhaled anesthetic agents; the rationale for inducing anesthesia with i.v. anesthetics (particularly propofol); the rationale for inducing and maintaining anesthesia with inhaled anesthetics; and the advantages and disadvantages of specific inhaled anesthetics, namely, nitrous oxide, desflurane, halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, are discussed. ⋯ The utilization choice among desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane is made by weighing specific advantages and disadvantages of each agent. The primary determining factors for use are anesthetic potency and control, rate of anesthesia induction, clearance from the body, and adverse effects.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Oct 2004
National survey of the impact of drug shortages in acute care hospitals.
The impact of drug shortages on patient care, the resources used to manage drug shortages, and the cost associated with drug shortages were studied. ⋯ A national survey indicated that drug shortages are having a significant impact on patient care activities and finances in hospitals.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Oct 2004
Association of medication adherence, knowledge, and skills with emergency department visits by adults 50 years or older with congestive heart failure.
The association of medication adherence, knowledge, and skills with emergency department (ED) visits by patients 50 years of age or older with congestive heart failure (CHF) was studied. ⋯ Greater medication knowledge, skills, and adherence were associated with fewer ED visits among patients 50 years of age or older with CHF in an urban, teaching medical center.