What is the appropriate dose of epinephrine according to flight nurse protocol?

The appropriate dose of epinephrine according to flight nurse protocol is typically 0.1 mL/kg. This dosing is grounded in the pharmacological understanding of epinephrine’s role in emergency situations, particularly in scenarios such as anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest, where rapid response and restoration of hemodynamic stability are critical.

Epinephrine acts on both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to increased heart rate, enhanced myocardial contractility, and peripheral vasoconstriction. Administering it at this specific dose allows for a balance between efficacy and safety, ensuring adequate response without excessive risk of adverse effects.

In flight nurse protocols, weight-based dosing is essential as it standardizes administration across a range of patient sizes, allowing for precise calculations that are crucial in critical care situations. This practice aligns with emergency medicine guidelines where epinephrine is often recommended in similar doses for resuscitation efforts or treatment of severe allergic reactions. Therefore, 0.1 mL/kg is recognized as the standard and effective dose in these acute scenarios.