[RNLisa]

Hi, new nurse here, don't laugh or judge ok?? LOL Question, late in my shift the doc wrote for magnesium IV per protocol bid (I don't remember the dosage), i didn't have time to hang it, and have never done it. what is so different with administering this drug? I mean, what is the "per protocol"?

Any help?? Thanks in advance

[Tweety]

Probably she/he is allowing the Pharmacy to decide on the mixture and the rate of administration. Otherwise the md would have had to specify "mix in 100 cc of Normal saline and administer over one hour".

Just a guess.

[sirI]

Hello, RNLisa,

Here are some links to help familiarize/educate yourself about the drug:

http://www.medscape.com/druginfo/dos...notype=default

http://www.medscape.com/druginfo/dos...notype=default

http://www.medscape.com/druginfo/dos...notype=default

[All_Smiles_RN]

On my unit, we have an order set that would seem similar to an insulin sliding scale. If mag level is 1.7 to 1.9, give 2 grams mag over an hour, etc.

[pinoyNP]

Hmmm, I wonder if this doc was thinking that your unit has a nurse-driven protocol for magnesium replacement. I know the unit where I work in does. All I have to write in my order as an NP is "Potassium, Magnesium, and Phosphate replacement per SICU protocol". The nurse can then write the order for replacement based on the electrolyte level and the recommended dosage the protocol dictates. I would clarify this with the doc.