[kate64]

Hi everyone, I am in an RN refresher course (I've been out of acute care for awhile and decided to bring myself up to date). My instructor asked me point blank "what is the reason to give an iv push med slowly." Well, my wheels were turning and I thought of fluid volume overload (which occurs with iv fluids because the volume), but could not immediately think of the physiological response of the body when a iv push med is given too fast. I know it probably depends on the med itself, but in general, can anyone answer what happens when an iv med is given too fast? Thanks so much,

Kate

[MedicalLPN]

Typically depends on the drug, for instance pushing IV Ativan rapidly can cause cardiac arrest, pushing IV Dilaudid, Morpine, or Fentanyl rapidly increases the risk of respiratory depression and sedation.

Also cardiac drugs such as Lopressor or Cardizem should be pushed over 5 minutes (except during a code situation or other wise specified by MD) slamming these types of drugs can cause serious cardiac dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest.

I also always push IV Lasix slowly because if pushed rapidly it can cause deafness. Before administering any drug you're unfamiliar with always consult your drug book, charge nurse, or pharmacist on staff. Hope this helps!

[iluvivt]

I think your instructor was looking for the term "speed shock". Speed shock is the rapid introduction of a foreign substance into the circulation. It can cause severe HA, flushing, and even resp and circulatory collapse or symptoms. Always dilute as recommened and give at recommened rate. Also if given too quickly you may see an overexagerated response specific to the drug.