Episode 66: Neuromuscular Blockers

In this episode of ACCRAC, Jed Wolpaw provides an overview of neuromuscular blockade, focusing on how it works, the receptors involved, and the different medications used, while explicitly excluding a detailed discussion on neuromuscular blockade reversal, which is covered in a separate episode. He discusses the history of neuromuscular blockade, the differences between depolarizing and non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers like succinylcholine, rocuronium, and vecuronium, and the significance of fetal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The episode covers dosing considerations, the impact of various conditions and drugs on neuromuscular blockade, and specific points related to different patient populations, emphasizing the importance of proper reversal and caution against relying solely on tidal volume for assessing readiness for extubation.