Low-Dose Ketamine for Postoperative Pain Management.

Ketamine, an anesthetic agent, is gaining attention as an analgesic for the management of acute and chronic pain conditions. Perianesthesia nurses may expect to see ketamine's use increase as more anecdotal and evidence-based experience is gained with its use for pain management. Unlike opioids, ketamine supports respirations while supporting hemodynamic function; moreover, the agent has potential for decreasing opioid-induced hyperalgesia.

Ketamine Infusions for Outpatient Pain Management: A Policy Development Project.

Current literature supports using ketamine for both acute and chronic pain management. It is imperative that the development of evidence-based protocols and policies keep pace with health care delivery to ensure patient safety. This project's objective was to formulate an outpatient ketamine infusion policy that promotes consistent and evidence-based care within a specified hospital system.

Ketamine for Pain Management-Side Effects & Potential Adverse Events.

An old anesthetic agent, ketamine is finding new use in lower doses for analgesic purposes. There are concerns stemming from its potential side effects-specifically psychomimetic effects. These side effects are directly related to dose amount.