Ketamine in Modern Medical Practice: Applications Across Age Groups and Clinical Settings

Purpose and Problem Statement

The clinical utility of ketamine extends across various patient demographics, including pediatric, geriatric, and adult populations. This review aims to address the purpose and problem statement surrounding ketamine's diverse applications in trauma care, intensive care units (ICUs), medical-surgical settings and the outpatient environment. The PICO question guiding this review is: In patients of all age groups, how does the administration of ketamine compare to traditional pain management methods in terms of efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes?

Summary/Synthesis of Evidence

A thorough literature review was conducted, synthesizing evidence from clinical trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses. The evidence highlights ketamine's efficacy in pain management through various administration methods, including intravenous (IV) and oral administration, both independently and in conjunction with opioids. Ketamine's role in the emergency department (ED) for trauma patients, its dosing on medical-surgical floors, and specific considerations for pediatric and geriatric use were also examined.

Method of Evaluation/Validation of Evidence

The evaluation involved critical appraisal of studies using established frameworks for clinical research. Key metrics included pain relief effectiveness, side effect profiles, patient safety, and overall outcomes. Comparative analysis with traditional pain management techniques was also conducted to validate ketamine's clinical benefits.

Results/Relevance to Pain Management

Results indicate that ketamine is highly effective in managing acute and persistent pain, providing rapid relief with a favorable safety profile. Its use in both inpatient and outpatient care settings demonstrate significant benefits in pain control and sedation, especially where traditional opioids may pose risks.

Future Implications for Nursing Profession

The findings suggest important implications for the nursing profession, advocating for the integration of ketamine protocols into pain management strategies. Future research should focus on optimizing dosing regimens, understanding long-term outcomes, and developing guidelines for safe administration across different patient populations.