Standardization of drugs in emergency trolleys in intensive care and emergency units

Abstract

Background: The first Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Guideline recommends the standardizing of the content of emergency trolleys to expedite healthcare to the patient in cardio-respiratory arrest (CRA). Objective: To assess the standardization of drugs in emergency trolleys of 5 public hospitals in northeastern Brazil, according to the first Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Guideline of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology. Methodology: Cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach in 44 emergency trolleys, analyzed from August 2015 to January 2016, presented in absolute and relative frequency. Results: There was a shortage of recommended standardized drugs as well as expired validities at all priority levels. Non-standardized potentially dangerous drugs with expired validity were present. Conclusion: The nonconformities in the standardization of drugs were evidenced in all assessed emergency trolleys, which may promote the occurrence of serious adverse events that have an impact on the patient’s life.