Vasopressor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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vasopressor
[ˌveɪzoʊˈprɛsər ]
Definition
medical terminology
A vasopressor is a medication that constricts blood vessels, thus raising blood pressure. These agents are commonly used in critical care settings to treat severe hypotension or shock. Vasopressors play a vital role in maintaining adequate blood flow to organs during critical illness.
Synonyms
blood pressure medication, pressor agent.
Examples of usage
- The doctor administered a vasopressor to stabilize the patient's blood pressure.
- Vasopressors are often required in cases of septic shock.
- Monitoring the patient's response to vasopressors is crucial.
- In emergencies, vasopressors can be life-saving medications.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Medical Use
- These medications are often used in emergency medicine to treat severe low blood pressure during shock.
- They work by narrowing blood vessels, which helps to increase the flow of blood and raise pressure.
- Common examples include epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are crucial in hospitals and during surgeries.
Chemistry
- Many vasopressors are derived from natural substances found in the body, such as hormones that regulate blood pressure.
- The effectiveness of a vasopressor can depend on the specific receptors they target in the blood vessels.
- Plasma volume and blood vessel tone can significantly influence how these drugs work, making dosage critical.
Pharmacology
- Vasopressors are an essential part of critical care protocols, highlighting their importance in maintaining circulation during crises.
- They often come in intravenous forms, allowing for rapid adjustment of dosage in life-threatening situations.
- Understanding the balance between vasopressor use and fluid resuscitation is vital for patient safety.
Historical Context
- The discovery of adrenaline (epinephrine) in the early 1900s marked a significant advancement in using vasopressors in medicine.
- During World War II, the use of vasopressors became crucial for treating soldiers in traumatic scenarios, leading to advancements in emergency care techniques.
- Research continues to evolve, exploring how different vasopressors can improve outcomes in various patient conditions.
Nursing and Care
- Nurses play a key role in monitoring patients on vasopressors, ensuring that the blood pressure is managed accurately.
- Education on recognizing signs of low blood pressure assists healthcare providers in administering these medications effectively.
- Understanding the side effects is essential to provide comprehensive care for patients receiving vasopressor therapies.
Origin of 'vasopressor'
The term 'vasopressor' is derived from the combination of 'vaso' and 'pressor'. 'Vaso' comes from the Latin word 'vas', meaning vessel, referring to blood vessels. The word 'pressor' is from the Latin 'pressare', meaning to press or squeeze. In the medical context, vasopressor agents are crucial in treating conditions that cause dangerously low blood pressure, particularly in critical care and emergency settings. The clinical use of vasopressors has evolved significantly since the mid-20th century, during which time various drugs were developed to improve patient outcomes in shock and trauma cases. Early vasopressors included norepinephrine and epinephrine, both of which have been foundational in emergency medicine to counteract the effects of shock by contracting blood vessels and increasing peripheral resistance, thus elevating blood pressure.