title: Development of a policy for patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop a policy to standardize the care of patients paralyzed with neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs).
  
  
  METHODS
  Criteria were developed to assess adherence to the policy. Categorical and continuous data were collected and analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Deficiencies were identified in frequency of train-of-four monitoring and in carrying out daily discontinuation of NMBAs to allow effects of paralysis to dissipate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The policy was useful as an educational tool. A NMBA order form should be developed to improve adherence to the policy.
authors.affiliation: Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Earl
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: McMahon
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bartley
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Becker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
chemical_list: D009466:Neuromuscular Blocking Agents