Ketamine-- how to prepare patients?

[u/rainbowsforeverrr]

Hi folks, ER nurse here. I'm curious how you talk to patients about ketamine admin for procedures or for intractable pain relief. I give it fairly often but I still haven't found the right way to prepare patients (or parents of littles) for the psychotropic effects. I've never used ketamine personally, but it seems to be a very intense experience that ought to be part of the informed consent conversation. What is our ethical obligation?

[u/Invictus482]

Pre hospital, I tell them to think happy thoughts about their favorite place to go on vacation.

"Do you like the mountains or the beach? How'd you like to go to a beach on a mountain? Just think about that."

And start running the infusion.