Hi everyone,

My hospital recently had an interesting scenario in a code blue situation. The pharmacist made it to the room before the RRT and Intensivist. RNs were present and CPR was in progress. Rph knew pt should get epi immediately and was asking RNs to administer the epi, but RNs did not want to do it without an order. Rph thought he was in the right b/c it was an emergent situation. Rph felt there was a delay b/c the patient was unresponsive for at least few minutes before he got there and then another few minutes while he was trying to get the nurses to administer the epi. RN response to this situation was that RN may not administer any medication even during a code unless MD order has obtained. A very quick online search mentioned that some places have preapproved protocols/standing orders to help with this type of situation.

Does anyone have a process for this currently that's already in use? Just curious what other facilities are doing.

Thank you!