Emergency Nursing Care for Rapid Sequence Intubation in COVID-19 Patients

Introduction: Modified rapid sequence induction is suggested for orotracheal intubation in COVID-19 patients with respiratory distress in the emergency department. The objective of this review is to discuss nursing care during the phases of planning, preparation, pretreatment and sedation with neuromuscular paralysis. Materials and Methods: A reflection article was written on conceptual elements in nursing care assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation based on the literature review of national and international standards and protocols, and publications on nursing care in COVID-19 patients. Results: Drugs recommended by rapid sequence intubation in COVID-19 patients are benzodiazepine for reducing patient's anxiety, lidocaine for cough control and fentanyl for analgesia in the pretreatment phase; inducers such as etomidate and ketamine are suggested in hemodynamic unstable patients and propofol in stable patients in the sedation phase; rocuronium is recommended as the first-choice neuromuscular blocking agent before vasopressors such as succinylcholine and norepinephrine, epinephrine, vasopressin and/or dopamine which are needed in all phases for managing hemodynamic instability. Conclusions: Applying a nursing care plan during rapid sequence induction phases contributes to a more organized medication regimen required for orotracheal intubation, which reduces patient's anxiety and the risk of contamination for healthcare personnel.