Stupid question about medications and care plans...

Altra, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2005

I wouldn't include the NS as a med but would look at where it fits into the nutrition/hydration picture for this pt... s/s of dehydration or evidence of good hydration? Renal assessment - I/O? BP? Dysphagia or some other condition contributing to poor oral intake?

HTH :specs:

mariedoreen · Jan 15, 2005

I wouldn't include the NS as a med but would look at where it fits into the nutrition/hydration picture for this pt... s/s of dehydration or evidence of good hydration? Renal assessment - I/O? BP? Dysphagia or some other condition contributing to poor oral intake?
HTH

Thank you, yes it helps!

elkpark · Jan 16, 2005

Yes, straight NS is usually considered as a hydration/nutrition intervention rather than a med. However, the real answer to this question is the same as so many others:

"YOU SHOULD DO IT HOWEVER YOUR INSTRUCTORS WANT YOU TO DO IT" :chuckle ("It," in this case, being including the NS on your med sheet or not ...)

Probably wouldn't hurt to review the NS info in your IV manual and be prepared to talk about indications/effects/etc. in relation to your patient.

wolf_funk · Jan 17, 2005

do u have prescribed fluid charts in the usa? here in the uk we have them thats where they go

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2005

you need to consider nursing implications for this patient on continuous fluids. Frequent auscultation of breath sounds is in order. What are the sx of fluid overload? Does pt. have condition such as CHF or renal dz that would make them higher risk? I would ask the instructor about how to document IV fluids, but never discount anything going into the patient---everything matters or it would not be ordered.