How is norepinephrine used in intensive care? A field study.

Objective: To assess how norepinephrine (NE), an emergency treatment of cardiovascular collapse, is used in intensive care.

Methods: Nurses and physicians of 14 intensive care units of the Bordeaux University Hospital were given questionnaires on the way they say they use NE and on actual NE treatment of patients.

Results: The clinical monitoring parameters cited were blood pressure, heart rate and hourly urine flow.