Barbiturate therapy for status epilepticus in the postanesthesia care unit.

Although rare, status epilepticus refractory to conventional therapy may require the initiation of pentobarbital anesthesia and intensive monitoring in the PACU. Barbiturate therapy mandates that the nurse be able to perform mechanical ventilation and advanced cardiopulmonary monitoring as well as be familiar with electroencephalographic monitoring. Careful attention to the potential side effects of barbiturate therapy and anticipation of end-organ complications can increase the likelihood of seizure termination and recovery of status epilepticus patients.