Look for
- Propofol, midazolam, opioids, and sedatives can worsen hypotension in vulnerable patients.
- Under-resuscitated shock can collapse after induction and PPV.
- Treat with local pressor/fluids/blood strategy and adjust sedation plan.
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Airway of the MonthRead the patient. Rescue the airway. Run the room.
Airway of the MonthRead the patient. Rescue the airway. Run the room.
Rescue pathway
Hypotension: medications
Induction and post-tube sedation can unmask or worsen shock.
Evidence and use limits
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23. Designed for: emergency medicine learners, clinicians, EMS, RT, and airway educators.
This is an educational cognitive aid, not a bedside order set. Confirm medications, ventilator changes, pediatric dosing, procedures, and escalation decisions against the patient’s physiology, the ventilator in use, and local ED/ICU/anesthesia/pharmacy/RT/EMS/pediatric policy.
Full references · Editorial policy · AARC 2024 ventilator assessment · ATS/ESICM/SCCM lung-protective ventilation · ATS 2024 ARDS update
About this resource
Created by: Andrew Pirotte, MD; Kyle Brown, MD; Reba Hodge, MD; Amanda Vanderwerf, PharmD, BCEMP; Morgan Kimball, PharmD, BCEMP; Joshua Mohess
Clinical review: Clinical review pending: local ED, ICU, EMS, anesthesia, pharmacy, and pediatric protocol review recommended before bedside teaching rollout.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23
Next scheduled review: 2027-01-23
Designed for: EM residents, emergency physicians, EMS clinicians, airway educators, and simulation faculty
Important: Educational resource and cognitive-aid guide only; not a bedside order set or substitute for local protocol, medical direction, or clinical judgment.
Website contact: kybrown@kumc.edu