Neuromuscular Blocking Agents (NMBAs): An Overview
Abstract Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are commonly used to paralyze skeletal muscles during surgery conducted under general anesthesia and for patients requiring in tubation for airway management. These medications are used in emergency departments, intensive care units, interventional radiology areas, and even medical and surgical units. NMBAs render patients unable to move or breathe and are considered high-alert drugs because misuse can lead to catastrophic injuries or death, especially when administered to patients who are not properly ventilated. Between June 2004 and March 2009, Pennsylvania healthcare facilities submitted 154 event reports that mentioned medication errors involving the use of NMBAs