The nurse’s role in a suxamethonium-based neonatal rapid sequence intubation

Despite several undesirable side-effects, suxamethonium is widely used for rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in neonates due to its fast onset and short-acting nature. This article highlights some pertinent issues surrounding the use of suxamethonium within the neonatal environment from the perspective of a nurse. The nurse’s role in assisting with a suxamethonium RSI will be discussed, as will the nursing skills required to help manage any adverse side-effects.